if the 8 inch cruiser programme is still going, and according to Marks post the go/no go decision on that is roundabout March 41, then the timelines fit nicely for the "spare" yardspace at John Browns (the one freed up by Vanguard being built earlier than OTL) to be allocated to building one of the new Cruisers. Especially if they are seen as a priority due to the need for global reach.