Should Type 23 frigates remain in reserve?

Should the Royal Navy keep Type 23 frigates in reserve for a time instead of selling them?

Keeping them is preferred, and their ability to operate Merlin helicopters gives the class continuing practical value.

Retaining useful hulls after front-line service can be preferable to automatic disposal. Keeping the Type 23s is preferred, with a personal connection to the class openly acknowledged. Their ability to operate Merlin helicopters provides a practical reason for retention. The answer is a preference rather than a detailed reserve-fleet plan.