After the Falklands War and the need for a carrier force and fleet air arm, at that time, wouldn’t you think the ‘powers that be’ would have learnt from history. Where would the UK have been if it hadn’t been able to respond to the Argentinian’s invasion of Sovereign British territory!? I think the defence cuts are appaling, and in particular the decommissioning of Ark Life. Britain needs to maintain its presence on the world’s oceans. What happens if something similar to the Falklands reoccurs!? do we borrow a carrier from France or the US? it’s ridiculous that the UK should be in this position, and unable to project it’s power until the arrival of the Elizabeth Class Carriers. What happens in the intervening years(particularly with the ever changing, volatile world we’re living in today), if an emergency arises that requires a task force to resolve it? in my opinion what happened to the Ark Royal (and the overall defence cuts)is sheer madness. Having watched the Sky History program re Ark Royal and seen the excellence of how it performed its duties, it is a crying shame that it’s gone (particularly when there’s nothing to replace it!)I also listened to David Camerons speech on board the Carrier, praising the crew etc, wonderful work they do, thanking them and so on. In hindsight, that speech was disingenouus, given what followed!