Rear Admiral Alex Burton handed in his notice around the time HMS Bulwark had been considered for scrapping. But he insists he did not resign in protest

Britain should spend £7 billion a year more on defence or risk a catastrophe the next time the armed forces are called upon in a crisis, a newly retired admiral has warned.

Rear Admiral Alex Burton said that a fleet of anti-submarine warships was already less reliable than it should be after a shortage of money delayed the timely purchase of replacements.

A reduction in repair and maintenance support for ships, coupled with a smaller fleet had meant that the Royal Navy was less able to deploy around the globe today than eight years ago, even though the threat had grown.

“If we can’t deter or reassure and deliver retribution when required . . . then we will have a compromised insurance policy and our