TWO new Navy warships are to be ordered by the Ministry of Defence, securing 10,000 jobs, the Government announced today.

Hamphire-based VT group will play a leading role in the carrier programme, as part of a joint venture with BAES Systems.

Defence Secretary Des Browne told the Commons the new aircraft carriers - to be named HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales - were expected to be in service by 2014 and 2016 respectively.

Mr Browne said: "I am pleased to be able to confirm today that we will now place orders for two 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers to provide our front-line forces with the modern, world-class capabilities they will need over the coming decades."

He added: "I am pleased that VT Group and BAES Systems intend to form a joint venture in naval shipbuilding and support.

"The creation of such a joint venture will enable the Royal Navy to work with industry to deliver the infrastructure the Navy will need to support the fleet in the future while retaining all three of our existing naval bases at Portsmouth, Devonport and Faslane."

But Mr Browne warned: "Some reduction in the 17,800 personnel currently employed will be necessary."

Tory spokesman Liam Fox welcomed the announcement but questioned whether the Government was committed to also procuring sufficient protection vessels and aircraft.