More widely, there is not an automatic right of access for all Brits.
Many of these compartments will be limited to those holding certain clearances, or roles, onboard the ship.
This is usually a tiny fraction of the ships company who 'need to know'.
We need to be careful not to conflate the issue of equality and tackling racism which the RN is rightly keen to tackle and call out, with the issue of protecting operational security and nationality caveats.
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Today, I posted a blog talking about Admiral Nelson and asking whether the RN needed to re-evaluate its attitude to him - bit.ly/3nC4bSF
The response on social media has been, to put it mildly, depressing.
Many people clearly did not read the blog, or its views /1
There have been accusations of 'wokeness' and suggestions that it is silly to question his legacy.
I beg to differ - Nelson was a great naval officer, and it is right that his legacy is remembered. But he was complex, and held views on slavery that today we find challenging. /2
I think it is right to ask if in 21st Century Britain, having a man who opposed efforts to emancipate slaves as the central figure of, at times, near hero worship, is appropriate for the Royal Navy.
Does it send the right message, and how does it help promote diversity? /3