HMS Caroline campaign

The move strengthens a recent campaign backed by Carrick Councillors for the city to retain the 98-year-old warship, which was decommissioned in 2011.

The Minister, accompanied by Nigel Dodds MP and Northern Ireland Minister of State Hugo Swire, met with Andrew Robathan, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans in London.

“This was a positive meeting and we impressed upon Mr Robathan the need to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast,” Ms Foster said. “Over the past year I and my officials have been trying to find a solution to this issue working in partnership with the Museum of the Royal Navy.

“Last summer I asked for an appraisal of options for the ship to be undertaken and this work was completed in January of this year. The report concluded that whilst there were significant funding challenges there were real benefits to restoring the ship here in Belfast.

“Following the meeting I now intend to write to the Museum of the Royal Navy and hope to meet with them soon to progress this matter.”