MP wants Reservist viability and cost-effectiveness decided in Parliament
John Baron MP has tabled amendments to the Defence Reform Bill which, if successful, would stop the Government implementing its Reservist plans until Parliament had decided upon their viability and cost-effectiveness. John’s amendments are well-supported by Conservative back benchers and the DUP.
The Government is planning to replace 20,000 regular troops with 30,000 reservists. But missed recruitment targets, rising costs, delays and disorganisation confirm such plans are in difficulty. Meanwhile, the regular forces are being wound down.
John said,
“Rising costs, badly missed reserve recruitment targets and Government silence confirm the reserve plans are on the rocks, and raise the real prospect of false economies. We now need to revert to the original plan in 2011 to maintain the regulars until the Reservists are ready to take their place. This will ensure there are no capability gaps.”
“Parliament now needs to examine in detail the viability and cost-effectiveness of these Reserve plans. Ministers’ stone-walling will no longer wash. There comes a stage with any struggling project when common sense and evidence dictates a re-think. We have now reached this point.”
“We all need to remember that Defence is the first duty of Government.”
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