Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said that HMS Queen Elizabeth and her Carrier Strike Group show that Britain “can do both soft and hard power, and do it with quality”.

Wallace said in a statement:

“The carrier strike group has not only visited and worked with over 44 nations on its tour, but has had visits from 66 Ministers. It is great convenor and a great presence that, made in Britain, definitely does go around the world showing that Britain can do both soft and hard power, and do it with quality.”