Theresa May torpedoes Boris Johnson-backed plan to bring back Royal Yacht Britannia as ‘floating embassy’

THERESA May has torpedoed a bid by MPs to bring back the Royal Yacht Britannia – in a slap down to Boris Johnson.

The Foreign Secretary declared has interest in the plan to relaunch the Queen’s former personal ship as a floating embassy to push trade after Brexit.

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But the new PM today swiftly blew the potentially expensive idea clean out of the water.

Her official spokesman said: “What we are trying to do as a government is forge an ambitious plan to exploit the opportunities that Brexit presents.

“But the recommissioning of Britannia is not on the agenda".

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Britannia – now owned by a trust - is currently moored in the Edinburgh port of Leith and used as a museum.

Making her seaworthy again could cost tens of millions, government sources warned.

The No10 decision is a blow for a growing campaign for the iconic ship’s return, lead by Tory MP Jake Berry.

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Mr Berry told of his disappointment with the decision and vowed to fight on, including circumventing Downing Street if he has to.

MP for Rossendale and Darwen Mr Berry said: “We should recognise the strength of public feeling about this.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by support from colleagues and members of the public about it.

“At this stage, we should at least find out whether it’s feasible before it is dismissed.”

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Mr Berry warned: “The support of the government would be useful, but at the end of the day it’s not entirely necessary if there is no cost to the taxpayer.”

Another option could be to commission a new ship to sail under Britannia's name, the MP said.

An angry Commons source added: “The government was happy to spend £760m on a plane for ministers, what will that add to Brexit?

“No10 are just throwing their toys out of the pram because nobody asked them first.”

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The idea also won the backing today of former First Sea Lord West, who dubbed Britannia “a wonderful advert for Great Britain".

The ex-Royal Navy chief said: "Getting rid of the royal yacht was a terrible error. It was a wonderful icon of Britishness”.

Friends of Boris Johnson said he sees it as "a great symbol of global Britain";.