Labour

Defence redundancies statement raised more questions than answers - Murphy

Jim Murphy MP, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said: 

“Today’s statement raised more questions than answers, but one certainty is that the heroes of today could be sacked tomorrow. 

“The Prime Minister rightly spoke of the urgency of the Islamist terror threat to the UK from North Africa, but in a ‘carry on regardless’ strategy serious skills in the Army are being lost. Not enough is being done to rebalance our Forces towards new threats and a changed role.  

“The Government’s flawed defence review has been exposed by world events – it didn’t mention Mali, Algeria or Libya.  The Government should reopen the Defence review to take in to account events in North Africa.  This isn’t only about numbers but Army skills and capability, and many will fear Ministers are unprepared for threats we face. 

“Progress in the Government’s Reservists’ plan is concerning.  As yet nothing has been done to incentivise employers, protect the rights of those who seek to serve or improve recruitment.”