Concern over intelligence 'cuts'

The MoD receives DIS intelligence alongside MI6 and GCHQ

Friday, 15, Feb 2008 12:00

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has insisted alleged job cuts in intelligence analysis will not lead to a fall in "output".

It has been reported today that 121 defence intelligence staff (DIS) jobs are due to be cut as part of the MoD's 'streamlining' programme.

DIS assesses intelligence for GCHQ, MI6 and the MoD and is regarded as performing a vital role in maintaining Britain's security and defence.

The MoD says the cuts under consideration are lower than elsewhere in the department, reflecting the priority placed on maintaining high-quality intelligence assessment.

But it has nevertheless attracted criticism from those who believe the work DIS produces will fall in quality, quantity or both as a result.

"Cuts of the size envisaged are likely to mean either that the DIS loses important perspectives to its work or it simply does everything less well," union Prospect said.

"Either way greatly increases the chances of an intelligence failure and is likely to lead to less well-informed operational planning, policy-making and procurement decisions."

Former deputy chief of defence intelligence John Morrison described the proposed cuts as "nonsense".

"It's totally ludicrous and it just seems to be a desire to come down to only one building, the main building, which simply isn't big enough to hold all the DIS and therefore they must be cut," he told the BBC.

The MoD insists intelligence capability "will not be compromised" by the proposed reductions, which are yet to be officially confirmed.

"Streamlining is not about reducing high-priority defence outputs; it is about achieving those outputs more effectively," a statement said.

"We recognise the DIS contribution to the wider intelligence community and there would be wide consultation with the intelligence and security community to determine any impact of change."