Menu
16/09/2010
'Astonishing' Failure For MoD
The purchase of a new £10.5bn fleet of tankers and transport aircraft by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been criticised as an "astonishing failure".
It has been reported by MPs on the influential Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the MoD agreed to sign up to the deal even though it had no idea whether it was getting value for money.
Despite the vast cost, the aircraft is not equipped to fly on missions in Afghanistan, the PAC report states. To supply sufficient protection for combat zones would cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions more.
The deal was struck as a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), which means a private company covers the initial cost and is then reimbursed by the taxpayer over time with an added premium.
Margaret Hodge, Committee chair commented: "It is simply astonishing that it took until 2006 to recognise that the new aircraft should be able to fly into high-threat environments like Afghanistan.
"Four years later, (the MoD) has still not decided whether to fit the necessary protective equipment... because of the implications this would have for the cost of the PFI."
This comes amid growing rows over the cost of the UK's nuclear capability.
(BMcN)
It has been reported by MPs on the influential Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the MoD agreed to sign up to the deal even though it had no idea whether it was getting value for money.
Despite the vast cost, the aircraft is not equipped to fly on missions in Afghanistan, the PAC report states. To supply sufficient protection for combat zones would cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions more.
The deal was struck as a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), which means a private company covers the initial cost and is then reimbursed by the taxpayer over time with an added premium.
Margaret Hodge, Committee chair commented: "It is simply astonishing that it took until 2006 to recognise that the new aircraft should be able to fly into high-threat environments like Afghanistan.
"Four years later, (the MoD) has still not decided whether to fit the necessary protective equipment... because of the implications this would have for the cost of the PFI."
This comes amid growing rows over the cost of the UK's nuclear capability.
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 August 2013
Whitehall War Office To Be Sold
A Ministry of Defence War Office building in Whitehall is to be sold to support "Defence priorities," it has been announced. The Old War Office was built in 1902 for the Imperial General Staff and was a focal point throughout the major conflicts of the 20th century. It housed numerous secretaries of state, including Winston Churchill.
Whitehall War Office To Be Sold
A Ministry of Defence War Office building in Whitehall is to be sold to support "Defence priorities," it has been announced. The Old War Office was built in 1902 for the Imperial General Staff and was a focal point throughout the major conflicts of the 20th century. It housed numerous secretaries of state, including Winston Churchill.
23 May 2003
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
19 February 2015
MoD Confirm Military Aircraft Spotted Off Cornwall Coast
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that two Russian military aircrafts were spotted off the Cornwall coast on Wednesday. It is understood the Russian Bear bombers did not enter UK airspace but came close enough for the RAF jets to be scrambled and "escort" the military planes back into neutral territory.
MoD Confirm Military Aircraft Spotted Off Cornwall Coast
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that two Russian military aircrafts were spotted off the Cornwall coast on Wednesday. It is understood the Russian Bear bombers did not enter UK airspace but came close enough for the RAF jets to be scrambled and "escort" the military planes back into neutral territory.
25 January 2012
Military Theft Increasing
A parliamentary committee has reported that theft within the military is steadily increasing, while also reporting that the MoD's accounts were "unsatisfactory".
Military Theft Increasing
A parliamentary committee has reported that theft within the military is steadily increasing, while also reporting that the MoD's accounts were "unsatisfactory".
19 March 2009
Striking A Deal: UK Purchases Supersonic Stealth Jets
On a visit to Washington, Defence Secretary John Hutton has announced the decision to purchase three Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft - the UK's next generation of supersonic stealth fast jets. This deal marks a significant milestone in the UK's commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter project.
Striking A Deal: UK Purchases Supersonic Stealth Jets
On a visit to Washington, Defence Secretary John Hutton has announced the decision to purchase three Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft - the UK's next generation of supersonic stealth fast jets. This deal marks a significant milestone in the UK's commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter project.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. A cold night with some ground frost. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
