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15/06/2005
NAO report raises concerns over readiness of British forces
The Government has come under fire today on the publication of a National Audit Office report revealing that over one third of British armed forces are not prepared for action.
The report highlighted concerns over training deficiencies and equipment shortages, warning that all three armed services would face difficulties in responding to future needs on increasing commitments.
While reporting on the state of military preparedness had improved, 38% had serious weaknesses in their readiness level, 2% of which were identified in the report as "critical".
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram emphasised the role of improved readiness reporting and said that a major shipbuilding programme, renewal of the RAF and major investment in the Army, were addressing concerns raised in the report.
However, Shadow Defence Secretary Michael Ancram, said that the report was "very worrying" and could not be "brushed aside".
Particularly badly hit is the Royal Navy. The NAO report forecast that the Navy's readiness state would decline and at worst only half the fleet would be ready for operations by 2009.
Last week the Mr Ancram demanded to know how the Government planned to have a further 5,000 troops required for operations in Afghanistan, ready in time for May 2006.
The NAO report does not detail specific shortfalls for reasons of national security.
(SP/MB)
The report highlighted concerns over training deficiencies and equipment shortages, warning that all three armed services would face difficulties in responding to future needs on increasing commitments.
While reporting on the state of military preparedness had improved, 38% had serious weaknesses in their readiness level, 2% of which were identified in the report as "critical".
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram emphasised the role of improved readiness reporting and said that a major shipbuilding programme, renewal of the RAF and major investment in the Army, were addressing concerns raised in the report.
However, Shadow Defence Secretary Michael Ancram, said that the report was "very worrying" and could not be "brushed aside".
Particularly badly hit is the Royal Navy. The NAO report forecast that the Navy's readiness state would decline and at worst only half the fleet would be ready for operations by 2009.
Last week the Mr Ancram demanded to know how the Government planned to have a further 5,000 troops required for operations in Afghanistan, ready in time for May 2006.
The NAO report does not detail specific shortfalls for reasons of national security.
(SP/MB)
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