Grant Shapps calls Navy submarine title change ‘woke nonsense’

The Royal Navy has introduced it’s altering the title of a brand new submarine from HMS Agincourt to HMS Achilles, in a transfer branded “woke nonsense” by former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

It follows studies of concern inside the Ministry of Defence that the unique title for the vessel – which is being inbuilt Barrow, Cumbria – might have offended the French.

Agincourt refers to a battle England received in opposition to France in 1415, as a part of the Hundred Years’ Conflict.

On Sunday, the Royal Navy stated the submarine would as a substitute be named HMS Achilles and that the change had been underneath dialogue for greater than a yr.

A spokesperson stated Achilles was significantly acceptable because the world prepares to mark the eightieth anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan days – each of which occur this yr.

A earlier vessel named HMS Achilles acquired battle honours throughout World Conflict Two. One other ship with the title took half within the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, when the Royal Navy defeated a French and Spanish fleet.

Gavin Williamson, a Conservative former defence secretary, first introduced the title Agincourt in 2018 for the under-construction vessel, the seventh of the Astute Class submarines to be commissioned. There had beforehand been recommendations it may very well be named Ajax.

A Navy assertion stated the title change had been underneath dialogue for greater than a yr and “was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships Names and Badging committee and authorised by His Majesty the King”.

However the swap has brought on controversy, not least as a result of the announcement got here shortly earlier than the Solar newspaper was on account of publish a narrative on inner debates over its deliberate title.

In a put up on X, Shapps stated “renaming HMS Agincourt is nothing in need of sacrilege”. He stated the unique title signified a defining second in British historical past.

“Below Labour, woke nonsense is being put forward of custom and our Armed Forces’ proud heritage,” the previous Conservative MP stated.

There was no public remark from French authorities.

Altering the title of Royal Navy vessels is comparatively uncommon however not with out precedent.

In 1939, a Royal Navy corvette on account of be named HMS Pansy grew to become HMS Heartsease simply earlier than it was launched.

The entire Navy’s Astute Class submarines bear a reputation starting with the letter A: HMS Astute, Ambush, Suave, Audacious and Anson are all in lively service.

Alongside HMS Achilles, HMS Agamemnon can be underneath building.