Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): Forces TV website reported that "Queen Elizabeth Class carriers appear to have hit what some are claiming is a major stumbling block, or duck" at Mina Salman in Bahrain.

"The £6.2 billion ships will not be able to use the new £10 million naval base in Bahrain," the website further said.

"In a written answer in Parliament, Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt MP tried to assuage the problem, saying: "The Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) carriers will be able to utilise the Mina Salman Support Facilities whilst at anchor in the vicinity of the port in Bahrain," the website added.

According to the website, the Scotland National Party defence spokesman was quick to condemn the Ministry of Defence incompetent handling of building the facility saying: "It seems a nonsense that the MoD is building a new port facility that is not big enough for the new aircraft carriers to dock in."

Arabic Issue