Labour

Extraordinary that the Government is fighting amongst itself over future defence funding - Murphy

Jim Murphy MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, commenting on reports that the SAS and other special forces units are under threat from a new round of Government defence cuts, said:

“It is extraordinary that at this moment the Government is fighting amongst itself over future defence funding.

“Past assurances about defence spending rises are now being questioned.  If the cost of this Tory-led Government’s economic failure leads to more cuts our military, facing new fronts, could be overstretched and under-resourced.  Ministers must respond.   

“Events in Mali have demonstrated the real threat of international terrorism, which requires highly skilled UK personnel able to defend national interests.

“The country will understand secrecy surrounding Special Forces, but will want the Government to be open that the concerns of those who serve are being met.”