SOLDIERS IN FIRING LINE
Concerns raised over Army cuts
BRITAIN will not be taken seriously as a military power if the Government axes 10,000 soldiers.
Generals have issued an unprecedented plea to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to withdraw plans for the Army cull.
They say the cuts will damage the UK’S position in Nato and relationship with the US.
Lord Dannatt, who led the Army from 2006 to 2009, said the US was publicly worried about “our diminished war fighting capability”. And he added: “Our principal foe, Russia, cannot believe its luck.”
The Army is expected to be reduced to 72,000 troops over the next decade so the Ministry of Defence can afford the latest battlefield technology.
Next month four Type 23 frigates are also set to be retired and 53 Typhoon fighter jets withdrawn from service.
Mr Johnson said in November he was increasing defence spending by £16.5billion over the next four years but Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force commanders are under pressure to make savings.
Jonathon Riley, the former deputy commander of international forces in Afghanistan, added: “An army of 72,000 is barely an army at all.
“The prospect of these cuts poses the question, ‘Is the Government actually serious about defence at all?’”
GORDON Ramsay will be reunited with Gino D’acampo and Fred Sirieix for more Gordon, Gino And Fred: Road Trip.
The trio’s popular ITV show, which sees them travel to various destinations, was last on in December as they headed off to Lapland for a festive special.
Speaking about the next series, TV chef Gordon, 54, said: “We’re working out where and when. We have so much fun.”