Britain sends warships to Asia to monitor N Korean trade

The frigate is HMS Sutherland.

The UK's contribution to the UN's efforts to denuclearize North Korea is welcomed.

Partners in peace

NK should send warships to the UK to monitor trade after britex.

Zichi

The Royal Navy needs to reduce the size and type of its fleet better suited to only protecting the UK and EU and its NATO commitments.

I think you have a grave misunderstanding of how the Royal Navy works and are most likely unaware that it operates one of the most advanced and highly specialised fleets in the world and is one of only 3 Blue Water Navies! It has already reduced its size significantly replacing older vessels with newer greener ones that require less refuelling and be recycled cleanly at the end of it!

It no longer need carriers or nuclear armed subs

Why?

An aircraft carrier is not just a floating airport it can help in disaster situations, provide relief and act as transports, as well as providing air cover and logistical support for both military and humanitarian missions. It is in essence about 4 ships rolled into one. Efficient you could say?

The Nuclear equipped subs you mention are being replaced with smarter and more efficient designs that will ensure the nuclear deterrent is kept at sea and hidden. The Trident system protects not just the UK and its boarders but also its over seas territories, its allies and in conjunction with the French and US nuclear systems, a whole host of European and international countries around the world! Asia included. You don't want countries to be protected?

I'm also curious as to how you would build a smarter greener navy using current technology? Nuclear power is a proven form of marine propulsion and diesel generators are as good as they ever had been. They are not perfect but are better then oil and coal! Shy of these methods for driving propellers im intrigued as to how you would want a ship to move? Sail perhaps? or maybe use oars!