Former UK defence ministers claimed Monday that a decision by Britain's Royal Navy to rename a nuclear-powered submarine called HMS Agincourt had been taken to avoid offending France.

The previous Conservative government announced in 2018 that the attack submarine would be named Agincourt in honour of Henry V's victory over the French in the 1415 battle.

But the Royal Navy announced on Sunday that the underwater vessel, which is still being built, would be now be called HMS Achilles after a famous World War II cruiser.

"We are proud of our nation's rich military history and the many famous battles fought," a Royal Navy spokesman said in a statement.

"The seventh boat in the Astute class is to be called Achilles, a name which is particularly appropriate this year as we mark the VE and VJ Day 80th anniversaries."

The spokesperson added that the name had been proposed by the navy's ships naming committee and "approved" by King Charles III, as per long-established procedure.

But former Tory defence ministers Grant Shapps and Ben Wallace slammed the move, suggesting the Labour government was changing the name for fear of annoying French counterparts.

"Renaming the HMS Agincourt is nothing short of sacrilege," said Shapps.
"This submarine carries a name that honours a defining moment in British history.

"Under Labour, woke nonsense is being put ahead of tradition and our armed forces' proud heritage."

Wallace accused the government of "focusing on superficial nonsense rather than rebuilding our defence".

"The French are one of our strongest allies. They don't get put off by names like that. I mean, that shows a very pathetic grasp of foreign policy and relationships," he told Times Radio.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Achilles name was "particularly appropriate" this year due to the Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan anniversaries.

A message posted on the Royal Navy's account on X said six ships had previously borne the Achilles name.

(AFP)

UK govt accused of renaming submarine to avoid offending France