Former UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has criticised a recent decision to rename one of the Royal Navy's Astute-class nuclear-powered submarines.
The boat originally named HMS Agincourt after the 1415 Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War will be renamed HMS Achilles following a decision that was made after over a year of discussions.
The navy said in a statement that the Royal Navy Ships Names and Badging committee had proposed the new name Achilles and that it was eventually approved by His Majesty King Charles III.
Mr Shapps posted on X that the renaming of the submarine was "nothing short of sacrilege," as Agincourt had originally been chosen to commemorate England's victory over the French in the battle of the same name.
Mr Shapps cited the change in name as the Labour government's "woke nonsense" undermining both tradition and the UK Armed Forces' "proud heritage."
Critics have accused the government of deciding on the name change to avoid upsetting the French. However, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the decision was "appropriate and fitting," as the name Achilles had also been used for an earlier navy ship that earned battle honours during the Second World War.
The future Achilles is the seventh Astute-class submarine. The boat is still under construction and is tentatively scheduled for commissioning in late 2026.