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Defence review 'to cut spending after next election'
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent07.07.09
The Government today paved the way to slash defence spending but put off key decisions until after the next election.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth announced a review of the armed forces, reigniting talk that the £20billion replacement of the Trident nuclear deterrent may be downgraded.
A green paper on defence, setting out strategic needs, is due to be published early next year. But the actual review will only be released after the election, expected in May next year.
The timing will fuel speculation that controversial announcements will be made. Defence sources, though, insisted the scale of the project meant it would not be finished before the country goes to the polls.
They also played down the likelihood of any dramatic developments over Trident, but could order some cost-cutting moves such as reducing the number of warheads. The strategic defence review, the first since 1998, also cast doubts on the building of two planned aircraft carriers.
However, defence insiders suggested these were still likely to go ahead with few, if any, major projects being ditched.
Closer co-operation with the US, as well as with EU allies, is expected to be among recommendations in the review, which will look at technological changes in defence and more effective acquisition systems.
But both the Conservatives and Labour could order far deeper cuts in the £36billion defence budget than military chiefs expect.
Today the chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said: "The 1998 SDR has served us well. But much has changed and it is right that we address with urgency challenges facing defence in the future."
Mr Ainsworth said: "The Government's priority for the armed forces is to ensure they have the equipment and support they need in Afghanistan."
But the head of the Navy, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, highlighted the crucial role the two carriers could play, saying: "With sizeable aircraft carriers you are able to exert influence in areas of the world of strategic importance."
Reader views (4)
This would leave us open to blackmail and possibly invasion in the future. The world changes rapidly and wars come from the most unlikely situations and areas. It’s OK to have a good anti terrorist police unit along with MI5 & MI6, but these people cannot keep armies at bay and would not last two minutes in a war situation. The battalions, air force and navy are the ones who are the ultimate deterrent and prevent enemies from threatening us and destroying our way of life. Good internal security is no good if there is no powerful external security force to watch over everybody. Once again this government has its head stuck firmly where the sun doesn’t shine and now they are trying to claw back the hundreds of billions they have squandered through corruption and incompetence.
- Stephend, London, England
That's right Gormless, put off every decision until after the next General Election.
ABSOLUTELY USELESS.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK
Foolish.
Every time a country reduces its guard, another tries to take advantage.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
I always shudder a little when I hear of defence cuts. How safe would your home be if you kept chipping pieces of cement and brickwork off the walls of your house?
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
