PRINCE HARRY’S OUTBURST SPARKS CUTS ROW
PRINCE Harry sparked a political row last night after throwing the spotlight on defence cuts.
The fifth in line to the throne highlighted shrinking Ministry
of Defence budgets in an unscripted speech when he returned to the Army Air Corps base where he trained as a helicopter pilot to present wings to newly qualified military flyers.
Although he stopped short of direct criticism of the Government his comments are likely to be interpreted as support for the military in the face of planned Whitehall savings amid a projected £20billion shortfall over the next decade.
After pinning the wings on 12 airmen graduating from initial training at the Middle Wallop military base in Hampshire, Harry told those graduating: “You’re now going to end up flying some of the best aircraft that we have to offer.
“In certain areas budgets are being shrunk but essentially you guys are the assets, the aircraft is the asset and just don’t forget who you’re serving and who you’re supporting.”
It was the second consecutive day he had mentioned defence cuts.
On Thursday, in a speech at King’s College London to a conference on the mental health of veterans, Harry, who spent 10 years in the Army and served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, alluded to reduced resources, describing “an ever-shrinking defence community”.
Labour peer and former First Sea Lord, Lord West of Spithead welcomed the Prince’s mention of budget cuts and said Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson would have to fight for more cash.
He said: “Any royal stands into danger when he makes comments that directly relate to political issues.
“I am delighted he is saying it because it is true. The Modernising Defence Programme instigated by Gavin Williamson will have to come up with more funding for defence.”
Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Lord Campbell said: “It may not quite be a royal command but it’s as close as you can get.
“Servicemen and women at every level in the forces are well aware of the serious under-funding of the defence budget.
“The Defence Secretary is on record as seeking an increase in his budget but the test of his influence over the Chancellor will be just how much he manages to get.”
In July last year the Government launched a national security capability review examining all aspects of national security capabilities.
That prompted concerns it would prioritise measures to counter cyber attacks and terrorism rather than major defence projects. There were reports that parts of the military faced cuts including the Royal Marines, regular troop numbers and amphibious assault ships.
Mr Williamson has ordered defence to be removed from the review and looked at under a new initiative – the Modernising Defence Programme.
Harry, 33, graduated at Middle Wallop in 2010, receiving his wings from Prince Charles as his thengirlfriend Chelsy Davy watched.
Yesterday he wore a civilian suit, reflecting the fact that he left the military in 2015, but had three medals pinned to his chest – the Operation Herrick medal for his service in Afghanistan, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Kensington Palace declined to comment last night.
In addition to the threat to elite units the Army is facing a recruitment crisis. It is about 4,000 short of its 82,000 target for trained forces.
The RAF and Royal Navy are also facing their own budget battles.
The Navy only has 19 escort ships – destroyers and frigates – and with a third of those usually in port for refits, there is concern that there are not enough ships available to meet existing tasks, let alone any future emergencies.
Mr Williamson, who has been accused of focusing too much of his attention on threats from terrorism and cyber warfare at the expense of more conventional dangers, may see a subtle royal intervention as helpful in his battle with Chancellor Philip Hammond for more money.
The Ministry of Defence did not respond to a request for comment on the controversy last night.