It has been so good to hear the groundswell of support surrounding Michael Gove’s idea of a new, national flagship to replace the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Her Majesty the Queen celebrates a diamond jubilee this year – one of only two of our monarchs ever to do so – and her years of service deserve a lasting memorial.
The festivities surrounding the Queen’s 60 years on the throne promise to be spectacular.
But something more lasting would be a fitting tribute, as Michael Gove said.
And in view of the disastrous decision taken by the last government to scrap Britannia, this is the perfect solution.
Even Tony Blair wrote in his memoirs that it was the one act he wished he could undo.
In far off days, a yacht would have been presented to the Queen by her grateful subjects.
Indeed, in Norway, the last King was presented with a yacht after all the nation’s schoolchildren donated their pocket money!
These are different times and I think it’s right that a significant share of the estimated £80 million cost should be raised from private donations.
Despite the financial crisis, many blue chip companies and private individuals are keen to contribute.
Already, Canada has pledged £10 million.
While the yacht will have state apartments for Royal use, the plans include room for 220 youngsters to learn maritime and scientific skills.
I also think that using a new yacht as a floating embassy, where we can showpiece our trade and industry is a good idea.
It was estimated that over her lifetime, Britannia raised £3 billion in invisible earnings.
A new yacht would continue the good work.
We are a proud, maritime nation and we need a flagship which will carry our identity around the world in truly magnificent fashion.
The Queen always said that Britannia was the one place she could truly relax.
After 60 years of devoted service to our country, I believe she deserves another.