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The UK Ministry of Defence is spending approximately £2 million annually to maintain the decommissioned HMS Albion at HMNB Devonport. Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized that this cost is essential for safety to support HMS Bulwark, which was sold for £20 million in September 2025.

The Royal Navy has faced cuts, with Albion retained despite its decommissioning in November 2024. The Labour government claims maintaining Albion saves £7 million yearly compared to the Conservative government's potential costs if both ships remained in service. The Royal Navy's surface fleet has significantly declined, raising concerns about its operational capabilities.