John Baron MP presses Government over Army cuts

MP raises concerns over defence policy

Earlier this week, John Baron MP spoke in a House of Commons debate about the Armed Forces. John spoke in support of our servicemen and women, but also voiced concerns about the Government’s planned defence cuts which will, amongst other measures, see the loss of 20,000 regular troops.

In the debate, John said,

“By cutting defence expenditure, we risk creating imbalances on a number of fronts. Can it be right that some Departmental budgets are protected? This puts disproportionate pressure on other Departments, such as Defence, when trying to cut costs. Imbalances are also being created in regard to our transatlantic relationship. Our defence capability is one of the key anchors of that relationship, but it is not a one-way ticket.”

“As an ex-soldier, I believe the plan to disband 20,000 regulars before knowing whether the plan to recruit 30,000 reservists to take their place will work is high risk. There are key questions that need answering very soon.”

“There is a real danger Government proposals will prove a false economy, in financial terms and in terms of military capability. At the moment, the Government are long on promise and short on costings and details.”

“For example, the financial incentives being offered to regulars to join the reserves mean that they will be on a better pay scale than a serving brigadier. There is also the question of civilian salaries being matched. Meanwhile, according to MoD figures, the present TA mobilisation rate is 40% which, if applied to the 20,000 regulars being lost, will mean we need 50,000 reservists.

“These proposals have a potentially distorting effect on the ground. Well-recruited battalions, such as 2^nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, are being axed, whilst more poorly-recruited battalions are being saved. It is costing millions of pounds to keep under-strength battalions up to the mark.”