Tory ex-defence minister voices doubts over need for Trident replacement

by Irn Bru Mon Dec 16, 2013 8:27 am

One of the Conservative party's most influential voices on defence has conceded that Britain can no longer be regarded as a "division-one military power", and raised questions over the sense of replacing the Trident nuclear fleet with a new generation of missile-launching submarines.

James Arbuthnot, the veteran chairman of the defence select committee and a former defence minister, told the Guardian that funding cuts over the last three years had made it impossible for the UK to retain its status in the top tier of global armed forces.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/dec/15/tory-james-arbuthnot-trident-doubts

Not what the Tories, or David Cameron, promised when he stood on the deck of HMS Ark Royal is it?

Just a chancer - woop woop

by veya_victaous Mon Dec 16, 2013 8:37 am

That is not really surprising, how is UK meant to compete with India, China and the USA? their economies are massive so they can logically afford large armies.
And Considering the UK is actually under threat of invasion anytime in the foreseeable future, there isn't any good reason to have a first rate army. You are only some islands off the coast of Europe, you don't have the empire anymore, no need to quell riotous natives or suppress foreign settlers. :D Unless you guys are plain on going colonising again affraid

:<:i}: :<:i}: ://?roflmao?/:

by Irn Bru Mon Dec 16, 2013 8:43 am

veya_victaous wrote:That is not really surprising, how is UK meant to compete with India, China and the USA? their economies are massive so they can logically afford large armies.
And Considering the UK is actually under threat of invasion anytime in the foreseeable future, there isn't any good reason to have a first rate army. You are only some islands off the coast of Europe, you don't have the empire anymore, no need to quell riotous natives or suppress foreign settlers. :D Unless you guys are plain on going colonising again

:<:i}: :<:i}: ://?roflmao?/:

We need tp defend the Falkland Islands at all costs but we now could hardly raise a fishing fleet never mind a task force.

You have no need to be afraid, veya, as any Brits arriving on your shores come in peace and bearing gifts lol

by Guest Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:42 am

Gifts? We can't afford gifts Irn lol, more like a begging bowl!

A Tory speaking the truth? Can't be having that can we!

by Irn Bru Mon Dec 16, 2013 10:59 pm

And now Cameron is out in Afghanistan rallying the troops. Next time they here from his government may well be to tell them they are heading for the dole.

by Guest Mon Dec 16, 2013 11:23 pm

OH was furious listening to him in Afghanistan, being an ex sergeant major in the Black Watch.

by Guest Tue Dec 17, 2013 1:48 am

Irn Bru wrote:And now Cameron is out in Afghanistan rallying the troops. Next time they here from his government may well be to tell them they are heading for the dole.

Of course they have plenty of money to not pay for their own expenses and an 11% pay rise at the tax payers expense, but not enough money to pay for a decent kit for our soldiers....Tory mentality.

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Tory ex-defence minister voices doubts over need for Trident replacement

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