Sailing away

With a rich history that goes back to the 16th century and the battle against the Spanish Armada, she is very much a part of British life. It is also a part of Yorkshire's naval and cultural heritage, given its longstanding links to Leeds.

So the end of the Ark Royal represents not just the end of a ship, but the end of an era. It also raises concerns, put in blunt terms by some of Britain's most decorated former commanders, over a defence policy that has left the country without any aircraft carrying capability until the end of the decade.

Clearly budget cuts were needed – but there can be few areas of expenditure where decisions carry greater consequences than defence. The decision cannot now be reversed but, for the sake of British servicemen and women stationed around the world, all will hope it is not one that is regretted.