Tories demand answers over defence cuts
The Conservatives have today expressed deep alarm at reports of major cuts to the armed forces budget and have written to the government demanding an explanation.
A leaked report in yesterday’s Sunday Telegraph suggested the organisation responsible for ensuring British troops are properly equipped and trained for battle is having to cut its budget by up to £40 million in the next eight months.
It warned that some of the cuts, which included stopping funding for the army’s only multiple-launch rocket systems would be a “severe impediment to the delivery of operational capability”.
The report came just days after a critical report from the Commons defence select committee warned British troops in Iraq were overstretched and lacking in resources. The MPs noted the government appeared to be better at saving than filling capability gaps.
“This situation is untenable,” said shadow defence secretary Liam Fox today, as he wrote to the government to demand an explanation for why cuts were being made when British forces were stretched in deployments across Afghanistan and Iraq.
“The government is taking the armed forces for granted at a time when they are stretched tighter than ever.”
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has refused to comment on the leaked document, but a spokesman told politics.co.uk there was “absolutely no way” any efficiency savings would affect frontline services.
“Our overarching priority is to ensure that the front line is properly supported,” he stressed.
The MoD has pledged to make £2.8 billion efficiency savings within three years, but officials insist this is in areas such as logistics, cutting down the number of civilian and head office personnel, and selling off unwanted land.
Other changes include centralising the repair services for the Lynx Chinook and Sea King helicopters at DARA Fleetlands, which is expected to save £10 million a year.
However, writing to defence secretary Des Browne today, Mr Fox notes the leaked document reveals “an unprecedented degree of concern among senior officers which contrasts starkly with your continual optimism about operations in Iraq and Afghanistan”.
He added: “As someone who has written recently that he regards ‘making sure that our people have the support and equipment they need and deserve’ as his ‘highest priority’, you must surely accept that the government is now culpable of failure in this regard.
“Urgent remedial action must be taken, and I wait to hear what that will be. I am sure that our overstretched servicemen at home and abroad, and their worried families, will be equally anxious to hear your response.”
