Body pulled from water

More than £1 billion has been spent on recruitment in the armed forces in just a few years, prompting demands from MPS for urgent changes.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) spending includes £752 million on a contract with Capita – £54m more than was planned at this stage of the contract.

The figures were revealed amid widespread vacancies across the armed forces and repeated failures to hit recruitment targets.

The MOD said it was operating in a highly competitive job market and all spending was scrutinised.

Tory MP and former army officer Johnny Mercer said: “It is clear that the military is currently experiencing a manpower crisis and with the amounts of public money being spent on recruitment, I would expect to see much improved results.

“Perhaps it is time for the MOD to review their recruiting practices.” A body has been found in the search for a man missing in Fife.

Police said formal identification had not yet taken place, but the family of John Keir, from Methil, had been told of the discovery.

Mr Keir, 46, was last seen on Saturday in the town’s Simon Crescent.

Officers were called to the Dumbarnie Links area of the East Neuk area about 10:15am yesterday where the body was recovered from the water.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The death is being treated as unexplained pending further inquiries and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”