Ainsworth: ‘Cost-cutting farce’
Bob Ainsworth, shadow defence secretary, comments on the conduct of the strategic defence review:
“This report confirms all our fears about this review. It is being undertaken at reckless speed with George Osborne in the driving seat. The government needs to put the brakes on and make sure it is driven by our long term strategic needs – not allowed to become a cost-cutting farce.
“It is clear this review is being held firmly behind closed doors without serious consultation with the public, our armed forces or industry. So much for the transparent government the coalition promised.
“The report also raises serious questions about the funding of Trident. The coalition government’s failure to give a straight answer on who will be paying for our deterrent seriously undermines the basis of this review. They need to clear this up once and for all.
“This review will be crucial to the future defence of our nation – the government must get it right and start listening.”
