ROYAL Navy flagship HMS Bulwark has been stopped from assisting in the Mediterranean migrant boat crisis due to ongoing discussions with “EU partners,” the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.

The assault ship had been due to set out on April 26 to lead British efforts stem the loss of life of refugees fleeing violence and economic woe from the north African coast.

HMS Bulwark is said to be supported by two other ships and three Merlin helicopters equipped with specialised radar designed to spot small ships and boats from afar.

But a government spokesman said: “Discussions between EU partners remain ongoing to ensure close co-ordination and we are not going to speculate on any operational decisions at this stage.”