Powerful British naval force on alert - Minister

Britain is to keep a ‘‘powerful force’’ of ships, Royal Marines and submarines available for the campaign against terrorism, it was announced today.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said 200 marines from 40 Commando were to be kept on stand-by in the Afghanistan region as part of the UK’s latest military contribution to the campaign against terrorism.

Another 400 marines from the same commando, which is based in Taunton, Somerset, but has been on a training exercise in Oman, were to return to Britain but remain in a state of ‘‘high readiness’’.

The marines will remain in the region onboard the Portsmouth-based assault ship HMS Fearless, Mr Ingram said.

The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious will also remain in the area, with helicopter capabilities, and a ‘‘submarine presence’’ would be maintained, with the ability to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The destroyer HMS Southampton and the frigate HMS Cornwall were also named as part of the group, as were the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels Rosalie, Percival, Bramble, Tristram, Victoria, Diligence and Bayleaf.