[Andy McDandy]

Oborne is a serious journalist, and one I take seriously, as he doesn't have any particular loyalty to any single paper. I'd take his version of events over Williamson's.

[youngian]

For instance, several months ago he made a point about a British frigate sailing through the South China Sea. These foolish and boastful comments put British forces in danger by highlighting their provocative presence in a sensitive area.

Johnson already raised eyebrows in Bejing boasting in Australia about this exercise. China put it down eccentricity but hinted to the UK to watch its step.

[Big Arnold]

Although I can't believe that the Chinese didn't already know.

[visage]

But if its not public knowledge then there is plausible deniability all round. Its a diplomatic problem, not a military one.

[Big Arnold]

As long as it's in international waters, there's no reason for the public not to know. Russian warships in the English Channel are freely reported.

[Andy McDandy]

Around that area there are a lot of islands that are claimed by multiple countries. International waters aren't quite that simple there. Especially since there's quite a lot of oil there, as long as some major shipping routes.

[Big Arnold]

'The man is out of his mind': MoD workers slam Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson's 'crazy' plans for guns on TRACTORS, ferries as landing craft and missile systems disguised as Coke lorries

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... risis.html

[bluebellnutter]

I had to check that wasn't a Mash article at first. Has he seriously proposed these things?

A ferry isn't exactly the world's stealthiest sea-going vessel, is it?

[Daley Mayle]

[The Red Arrow]

I'm liking how that ammo bin looks like a toilet cistern, adding to the whole 'Britain down the crapper' vibe.

[Big Arnold]

[Kreuzberger]

A ferry isn't exactly the world's stealthiest sea-going vessel, is it?

No, but it will have duty free again. What's not to wholeheartedly get behind?

[Daley Mayle]

The harrowing opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan would have added a whole new dimension with those storming ashore including a coach party from Dudley returning from a ten day tour of artisan cheese producers.

[Big Arnold]

A ferry isn't exactly the world's stealthiest sea-going vessel, is it?

No, but it will have duty free again. What's not to wholeheartedly get behind?

And you'll be able to board it with a blue passport.

[bluebellnutter]

A ferry isn't exactly the world's stealthiest sea-going vessel, is it?

No, but it will have duty free again. What's not to wholeheartedly get behind?

"Sir, we're running out of ammunition, your orders?"
"Are there still those massive bars of Toblerone in the duty free shop?"
"...yes, sir?"
"Well then we aren't short of ammo then, are we? Hurl at will!"