What is happening with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary?
Short answerIt needs long-term political direction, better conditions, and an amphibious fleet plan that funds both Royal Navy and RFA vessels.
NotesThe Royal Fleet Auxiliary needs better pay, investment in ships, and a stable plan for the work its crews must perform. The criticism is that announcing a ten-year plan achieves little when the expensive decisions fall beyond the next general election. Amphibious shipping gives a concrete example: for the size of vessel under discussion, the proposed requirement is eight ships, divided equally between the RFA and Royal Navy. That four-and-four arrangement is a recommendation in the discussion, rather than an approved fleet plan.