The debate on defence lasted from 10am to nearly 6pm on Friday. It was a high quality debate with contributions from a number of ex cabinet ministers and defence chiefs. Great concern was expressed across the political divide about the decision to retire the Harriers. A powerful point made by a number of people and never answered by the Minister was this: If the government sees the new aircraft carriers as essential why do they think we should risk managing without any sea based air cover for the intervening ten years?
The Government made much of the economic situation but Lord Rosser in an impressive opening speech for the opposition put the economic case in international perspective. Although I was only able to touch on it briefly (because of time constraints) I do think that the shift in economic power from the West to China and oil producing countries of the Arab world is profoundly important. I linked it to the sensible decision to share carriers with the French. I believe this inter European co-operation is bound to increase and probably will lead eventually to a European defence force.
The most powerful demolition of the government’s position came from the former defence chief Lord Boyce – agree or disagree as you wish but it is important to read it.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/text/101112-0001.htm#10111225000781
At a time when the World is held ransom by a few unorganised Somali pirates in wooden fishing boats, we reduce the Fleet ?
At a time when our Army is stretched beyond it`s limits in unwinnable wars, we intend to reduce it`s numbers and equipment?
At a time when all services rely heavily on air support we choose to reduce the ability of the Air Force ?
Wrong in so many ways !
I have a lot of admiration for the French particularly for their Government which promotes Law for the people rather than against them. Their is so much Law in France we could learn from, however sharing ships will not work. There is one Captain of a ship but Governments who control are often miles apart. If we think of the situation of the sinking of the Belgrano how would that have panned out in a shared ship ?
Our forces work extremely well with our allies but that doesn`t mean they see eye to eye or everything runs as smoothly as it should. The bickering from WWll between allies should show this well, let alone if we look back in History to disasters like “The Charge of the Light Brigade” which shows clearly that even Lords cannot put animosity to one side for the greater good.
We are a diminishing World Force and if the Government is sincere about the cuts it must also keep in mind that fact. It must also bear in mind that whilst it may see us as strong partners in Europe, the people may not but fear that this is the case deters them from finding out. So we`re back to the case where our Government determines inspite of the people rather than in the name of the people.
The people would rather see cuts in levels of Government than cuts to our Forces. I`m pretty sure without looking the money spent on Governing far outweighs that spent on defending us.
There are limits of course we have to put on defence but the main question is one that also has been raised about the Lords recently too. ” What are they there for ?”
This issue is prime and the leaders of our forces need this answered. You cannot tell them they are there to protect the World them only allow them a paltry budget.
I watched most of the live feed on this debate. I thought you gave a thoughtful speech as did many others including the ‘pirate’ complete with eye patch who having removed it to speak then offered to purchase the Ark Royal and lease it out privately as part of a consortium. He also mentioned something about Lord Norton of Louth inheriting a bell last used during the fight against the Spanish Armada but perhaps I heard this wrongly?
I got married on the income from overtime during extended life testing of the Vulcan bomber. As a newly married couple we paid for the rent on our new flat from work on extended life testing of Harriers and Nimrods. So it’s personal and very sad that these aircraft are either gone or are to be retired.
Very interesting comments. You can read about the Armada bell in Hansard
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/text/101112-0001.htm#10111225000781
Senex. I didn’t know the Vulcan, Harriers and nimrod had such romantic attachments! brilliant!