In light of current world conditions we need to keep all our capabilities for all possible threats. How would we land should The Falkland Islands be invaded again?

The UK armed forces have continued to reduce in size and funding over a long period we continually here the strap line about spending 2% of GDP and funding being raised year on year by 0.5% above inflation which are meaningless if the net result is this funding is not sufficient to maintain the current equipment renewal plans and maintain existing capabilities. Our armed forces are some of the most respected and feared professionals in the world and are highly valued in providing training and logistical support across the globe, by cutting our ability to project powerful expeditionary force at a time and place of our choosing sends the wrong message to both our allies and potential foes diminishing our credibility and the deterrent effect this has to prevent or stabilise local conflict by the threat of intervention. The Albion class vessels and the Marines are key to this and would be a mistake to cut these assets which are also able to act as task force flag ships and provide response to natural disasters and evacuation of UK nationals from danger zones. The economy of Plymouth is highly reliant on Devonport as an employer, with the running down of Laira Railway depot and the maintenance facilities for the new trains moving to Bristol this remains one of the few places where skilled workers are needed therefore the scraping of these large ships which are maintained and overhauled here would have a direct effect on local jobs in addition to the money spent by the service men and women in the wider economy. Talk of the new carriers taking on the role is fantasy firstly only one will be available and would be prioritised in the strike role and secondly they have not been designed from the outset to conduct amphibious landings which is and will always be a specialist role.

Our Country needs an Amphibious assault capability to defend our own lands and any interests overseas. Former Army warrant officer, Parachute Regiment, RMP.

As a nation the vast majority of our physical exports and imports come into and leave the country by sea. We need to maintain a Royal Navy able to carry out the full spectrum of operations including amphibious operations to protect the interests of the UK and our allies. The current fleet, in my opinion, is far too small now and to have further cuts will mean the fleet could become an irrelevance particularly in respect of the US Navy, our closest partner. Furthermore, yet more cuts to our defence forces reinforces the impression that the UK is withdrawing from the world stage and is a weakened and diminished nation.

A military capability that is surrendered is lost for ever as it takes many years to generate something new. I accept that we need to invest in new capabilities to cope with emerging threats such as cyber, but to diminish or even remove an existing capability presupposes that a threat has vanished. If we've learnt anything from the past few years it's that threats are never homogenous; the UK will need to deploy all its armoury to deter, contain or defeat those who would do us harm. The Royal Marines and our wider amphibious capability have a global reputation for professionalism and effectiveness. It's a reputation which helps our diplomats and politicians speak with authority when visiting the more troubled parts of the world, our position on the UN Security Council is in part underpinned by the professionalism of our armed forces and the willingness of the government to deploy them rapidly to good effect. Reduce or remove this capability and you will undermine our position. As we look beyond BREXIT we need to cherish and invest in all things which underpin our global reputation.

In response to your request. I believe it is the first and most important duty of any government to ensure the defence of the realm is maintained in the best condition possible. The condition of the worlds rouge countries and terrorism at it's highest ever. It would be gross negligence to downgrade our forces. Especially our special forces. And finally, it is commonly recognised that if we do not learn from history we will obliged to repeat it. I feel it is of paramount importance to continue with our countries great history to maintain our rightful place in the worlds most able countries. Yours most Sincerely Terence Wilson

The Royal Marines and associated infrastructure and Platforms will be essential to post Brexit Britain,The Marines are the tip of the spear, considering the massive cuts to to the countries Armed Forces over the years, diluting and weakening this national treasure on the basis of cost grounds is not only shortsighted but dangerous. The world is still a an unpredictable place... If the UK Government are sincere in their objectives in maintaining Britain as a respectable and credible Global player then please... NO MORE CUTS.

MORALE that is the issue in the Royal Navy, in the Royal Marines and in the nation as a whole. No amount of cyber excellence will stop an invading army or thwart an active Fifth Column. I don't expect any notice to be taken of my opinons I am a nobody. But I did serve for 9 years in the RN. The Navy is a laughing stock now and nobody cares. This government today puts me in mind of the Halifax faction in 1940. There appears to be no thought given for the defence of the realm. P/M 937491 Radio Electrical Rating 1954-1963

I can’t believe that I’m need to sign this. One of the most important things any government should do is to have the protect of this country at its heart. To do this in an efficient manner we need our elite forces. The marines. The brave service people that join this elite force go above & beyond, they go into situations that we cannot begin to imagine to protect us. We now have to show our support & let these heroes know we are supporting them. To the government who are trying to disband the Marines please remember we will be having a general election again! It’s our votes that decide whether you are in power or not!

I am very concerned about further cuts in our armed services and particularly in our Royal Marines. A World class British army requires the very best support from government, with consistent investment. Further cuts reduce moral in all the services well as public confidence in our Nations defences. The deterrent value of a strong and committed force, benefitting from certain investment and qualified leadership, should never be underestimated. No more cuts please.