Retired head of Army hits out at cuts
The former head of the Army has warned against a “catastrophic reduction” in Britain’s defence capability.
It was reported last week that elite units of paratroopers and the Royal Marines could be combined to save money.
The proposals – which included one which would see a cut in the Armed Forces’ strength by more than 14,000 – were dismissed by the Ministry of Defence as “pure speculation”.
But General Lord Dannatt has urged Chancellor Philip Hammond to rethink any spending squeeze.
He said: “The reported cuts to our defence capability represent an appalling reduction in our national ability to defend our sovereignty, protect our citizens at home and abroad and uphold our values.
“I wish Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson all the very best in his vital battle with Philip Hammond and the Treasury.
“Mr Hammond, as a previous defence secretary, oversaw a catastrophic reduction in defence capability during his tenure at the MoD – he must not be allowed to do it a second time. History would not judge him kindly.”
Mr Hammond was defence secretary when the 2010 Defence Review was being implemented, which saw numbers of soldiers, sailors and airmen cut.
Last week a Downing Street spokesman said Mrs May was against reducing the size of the Armed Forces.