It’s mad to cut Army in these perilous times

National defence should be the top priority for any government so it is reckless that the Johnson administration is planning to cut the size of the British Army by a further 10,000 soldiers, as you reported last week.

It is already far smaller than it was 205 years ago at the time of the Battle of Waterloo. In increasingly uncertain times, to shrink our Army is not in our national interest.

Sir Bob Russell, former MP for the garrison town of Colchester

This and previous governments have done nothing but fail the Armed Forces.

O. Hancock, Manchester

The battlefield is changing and our Armed Forces must change to accommodate them. They are doing exactly that.

E. Desmond, Sussex

I was part of the tri-service medical personnel deployed to cover the nationwide ambulance strike of 1989-90.

Thirty years ago the military had the resources to ensure that people who needed emergency medical help received it. Today, I doubt that it does. Therefore this news is somewhat alarming.

The military are set to help with the vaccine rollout, so perhaps it’s time for a gentle reminder that the Forces don’t just fight wars.

Angus Long, Newcastle upon Tyne

When the British Army couldn’t even fill Wembley Stadium, there is something drastically wrong with Government policy.

G. Richards, Grantham, Lincolnshire

It’s utter madness. We are in the most dangerous times since the Cold War, with threats from

Russia and China. We should be expanding our Armed Forces, not reducing them.

T. Roberts, Merseyside

This is the end of the UK as a global military power. Without feet on the ground, you are wasting your time. I would have thought Iraq and Afghanistan would have taught us that lesson. Apparently not.

S. Mosey, Londonderry

As we happen to be currently aiming to boost the police force by 20,000, why not simply recruit the troops being cut into the police? Their training, discipline, practical experience and knowledge of modern equipment make them well qualified. Why get rid of such a valuable asset?

Michael Leather, Onchan, Isle of Man

Morale among the serving military is already at rock bottom and I know a few Servicemen who would welcome a golden handshake to leave.

W. John, Swindon, Wiltshire

The pen-pushers making these decisions know nothing outside of their tick sheet. It takes time and a lot of effort to make a good soldier, even more so a good non-commissioned officer. What a waste.

L. Stephens, Cheshire