John Baron MP highlights Defence Reform Bill amendments

MP says MoD plans risk false economies and capability gaps

John Baron MP has tabled amendments to the Defence Reform Bill. If successful, these would postpone the implementation of the Government’s Reservist plans until the MoD produced a report detailing their viability and cost-effectiveness, which is accepted by Parliament. John’s amendments have been 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 and badly missed reserve recruitment targets confirm the Reserve plans are in trouble, and raise the real prospect of unacceptable capability gaps and false economies. We ought to revert to the original plan in 2011 to maintain the Regulars until the Reservists are ready to take their place.”

“These are not wrecking amendments. If passed, they would neither derail the Bill nor the Government’s Army Reserve plans – simply delay them until Parliament has scrutinised their viability and cost-effectiveness. The delay need not be long if the Government allowed prompt scrutiny of their report.”

“I am not calling upon the Government to reverse course, but to recognise its plans as currently realised are flawed.”