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15/09/2010
Defence Cuts 'Could Place Troops At Risk'
A review of the UK's defence and security needs could jeopardise the safety of troops, a group of MPs have warned.
The Defence Select Committee said that the Strategic Defence and Security Review had been undertaken too quickly and that it was not taking time to properly assess threats to the UK.
There was a risk of "serious mistakes" being made, MPs warned.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Conservative MP James Arbuthnot, Chair of the committee, said that the committee was worried that the process appeared to be "money-driven". He also said that the committee believed that the current operation in Afghanistan could be at risk, because of the prospect of significant reductions in defence spending.
Commenting on the report, Shadow Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said that the report confirmed "all our fears". He said: "It is being undertaken at reckless speed with George Osborne in the driving seat. The Government needs to put the brakes on and make sure it is driven by our long term strategic needs - not allowed to become a cost-cutting farce.
“It is clear this review is being held firmly behind closed doors without serious consultation with the public, our Armed Forces or industry. So much for the transparent government the Coalition promised.
“The report also raises serious questions about the funding of Trident. The Coalition government’s failure to give a straight answer on who will be paying for our deterrent seriously undermines the basis of this review. They need to clear this up once and for all.
“This review will be crucial to the future defence of our nation – the government must get it right and start listening.”
The SDSR is being carried out alongside the Government's overall spending review, which is due to be published next month.
(KMcA/GK)
The Defence Select Committee said that the Strategic Defence and Security Review had been undertaken too quickly and that it was not taking time to properly assess threats to the UK.
There was a risk of "serious mistakes" being made, MPs warned.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Conservative MP James Arbuthnot, Chair of the committee, said that the committee was worried that the process appeared to be "money-driven". He also said that the committee believed that the current operation in Afghanistan could be at risk, because of the prospect of significant reductions in defence spending.
Commenting on the report, Shadow Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said that the report confirmed "all our fears". He said: "It is being undertaken at reckless speed with George Osborne in the driving seat. The Government needs to put the brakes on and make sure it is driven by our long term strategic needs - not allowed to become a cost-cutting farce.
“It is clear this review is being held firmly behind closed doors without serious consultation with the public, our Armed Forces or industry. So much for the transparent government the Coalition promised.
“The report also raises serious questions about the funding of Trident. The Coalition government’s failure to give a straight answer on who will be paying for our deterrent seriously undermines the basis of this review. They need to clear this up once and for all.
“This review will be crucial to the future defence of our nation – the government must get it right and start listening.”
The SDSR is being carried out alongside the Government's overall spending review, which is due to be published next month.
(KMcA/GK)
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Armed Forces 'Shrinkage By Stealth' – Labour
Labour has hit out at Thursday's announcement that 17,000 military jobs will go by 2015. The first tranche of job losses will affect 930 RAF and 920 Army personnel, while Gurkhas make up most of those in the army who will be told that they have been selected for compulsory redundancy.
Armed Forces 'Shrinkage By Stealth' – Labour
Labour has hit out at Thursday's announcement that 17,000 military jobs will go by 2015. The first tranche of job losses will affect 930 RAF and 920 Army personnel, while Gurkhas make up most of those in the army who will be told that they have been selected for compulsory redundancy.
28 January 2010
North Wales Gets Flood Relief Works
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Conservatives plan armed forces investment
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced plans to boost investment in the UK's armed forces, if they should get back into power. Delivering a keynote speech on defence in Blackpool, Mr Howard criticised Labour's defence policy.
Conservatives plan armed forces investment
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced plans to boost investment in the UK's armed forces, if they should get back into power. Delivering a keynote speech on defence in Blackpool, Mr Howard criticised Labour's defence policy.
02 March 2007
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
