MoD delays ships
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has delayed two aircraft carrier projects as part of a revised spending plan designed to meet an estimated £2bn deficit in its defence budget.
HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales were due to enter service in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
In a written statement, John Hutton, secretary of state for defence, said that work on the two aircraft carriers would be delayed to sustain jobs.
Hutton said: ‘The new aircraft carriers will be brought more closely into line with the introduction of the Joint Combat Aircraft, which will result in a change to the delivery schedule.
‘Construction on the ships is already under way and will continue with minimal implications to jobs and industry.
‘The programme will still provide stability for the core shipyard workforce, including 10,000
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