Dismay is mounting across all three naval bases (Faslane, Devonport and Portsmouth) at last week's decision by Defence Secretary Des Browne to launch yet another review of the bases, four years after the last review was put into effect. Browne spoke of "radical reductions in overheads and naval base capacity."

Specialist staff have warned that any further cutbacks in the number of bases would leave Britain’s naval support "dangerously unbalanced" and unable to cope with contingency demands.

"Our naval fleet must not be starved of support by the accountants and politicians in MOD in the same way as has happened to our land forces," said Steve Jary, Prospect National Secretary.

"Britain needs three naval bases. If any one is closed, we will lose the ability to sustain a long-term response to threats at sea whether close by or far from home. Putting all our naval support into two baskets would be a fundamental strategic error. It has everything to do with squeezing the defence budget and nothing to do with military need."

All staff affected are stunned by the speed of the review. Announced on September 18, it is already under way, emerging findings are expected in November and final conclusions in December.

"Why the rush?" asked Jary. "In the midst of high levels of operational activity this review is a huge and unwelcome distraction for the men and women who work to keep our fleet fit for the sea."

Prospect, which represents specialist staff at all three bases, will not play off one base against another, added Jary. "We are preparing a case to defend all the bases and will use it during consultations while the review is under way. Our campaign will start the day decisions are announced."