Labour MP Sarah McCarthy-Fry said workers in the Naval Base would be reassured by the government's plans, but remain concerned about the Tories' unwillingness to give guarantees on the carriers.

"The Green Paper makes it clear that the government is committed to a strong, hi-tech Army; a Navy based around the aircraft carriers on which steel is already being cut; and an Air Force based around two state of the art fighter fleets, as well as the additional Chinook helicopters, Reaper drones, and strategic air lift, which the Defence Secretary announced in December.

"While both parties have committed to a Strategic Defence Review after the election, supporters of the carriers will be more reassured by the clear principles Labour has set out than the deafening silence from the Tory camp. The Tories have given no commitments since George Osborne suggested the carriers could be cut last year."

The Conservative Party have also refused to match Labour's pledge that defence spending in 2010/11 will rise well in excess of inflation.

Defence spending is now 10% higher in real terms than it was in 1997, and the highest internationally in cash terms behind  only the US and China.