Ashdown Cuts will destroy Marines
The Royal Marines could vanish within six years if cuts and falls in numbers continue at the current rate.
Figures show 90 soldiers left the 6500-strong Corps in the last month alone.
Former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown, who is an ex- Commando, said: “The Royal Marines are a worldclass, versati le f ighting force. In the current global climate, we need them more than ever.
“But their numbers are being steadily eroded under this Government, with more cutbacks on the horizon.
“If servicemen continue to leave at this rate, the Roya l Ma r i nes w i l l disappear completely within six years’ time.
“Ministers must stop playing fast and loose with the nation’s defences and reverse these foolhardy cuts.”
Earlier this year, it was revealed the Government were considering cutting 1000 personnel from the Marines as part of plans to save £ 3bil lion a year across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF.
But new Defence Secretary Gavin Wi l liamson has reportedly told Chancellor Philip Hammond to lay off the forces in the next round of cuts.
Last week, former senior commanders warned the Army were two decades “out of date” after years of cuts.
General Sir Richard Barrons told Westminster’s defence committee more money needed to be ploughed into the military, who he said were “close to breaking”.