Whenever there are reductions in the British armed forces we are told it's because of money. The line is that the money just isn't there.
But treasury finds the money to settle and support millions of people brought into the country over the years. No I'm not saying
that to discuss immigration. I'm saying it to make the point that when something is dear to the hearts of our rulers the money is
available, and very large sums of it.
Similarly with the Ukraine war the resources are made available. The previous defence secretary said that getting money for the British
armed forces was a battle but with Ukraine he said he was told that money was no object. He said that the support was incredible.
Yes you can say well Ukraine is at war and the need is huge and of course that's true. But it means again that the money is there. it
does exist, it's just whether the government chooses to spend it or whether it doesn't. The money just isn't there excuse is just false.
When we look at the state of our forces it seems to me that the decision to eliminate them step by step was made some time
ago and that the process is relentlessly pursued. The money is just not there mantra is simply used as the excuse.
The amphibious warfare ships are next. Early retirement of frigates will continue due both to their bad shape and the manpower
shortage. Ever since the huge manpower reductions in 2010 and the thousands more who left afterwards there has obviously
been a drop in interest in serving in what is a drying up force. This then leads to the laying up of many of the few ships left followed
by more drop in interest in joining the service and more ships layed up. It's a circling the plug hole phenomenon.
I have a fear that in the next round of cuts the type 26 will be cut from 8 to 5 ships and the new solid stores ships from 3 to 2. The MRSS
project will be downscaled or put on hold. Shortage of people will be cited as a contributing factor.
How do people feel about the future of the Royal Navy? I guess I've made my fears plain. I think the liquidation policy started in 2010
will go on. I think in 20 years the navy will be the nuclear deterrent plus a carrier in service and one mothballed with about 15 escorts
including type 31. No amphibious capability and skeletal Royal Marines. Anyone else with an opinion about where it will be in 20 years?
But treasury finds the money to settle and support millions of people brought into the country over the years. No I'm not saying
that to discuss immigration. I'm saying it to make the point that when something is dear to the hearts of our rulers the money is
available, and very large sums of it.
Similarly with the Ukraine war the resources are made available. The previous defence secretary said that getting money for the British
armed forces was a battle but with Ukraine he said he was told that money was no object. He said that the support was incredible.
Yes you can say well Ukraine is at war and the need is huge and of course that's true. But it means again that the money is there. it
does exist, it's just whether the government chooses to spend it or whether it doesn't. The money just isn't there excuse is just false.
When we look at the state of our forces it seems to me that the decision to eliminate them step by step was made some time
ago and that the process is relentlessly pursued. The money is just not there mantra is simply used as the excuse.
The amphibious warfare ships are next. Early retirement of frigates will continue due both to their bad shape and the manpower
shortage. Ever since the huge manpower reductions in 2010 and the thousands more who left afterwards there has obviously
been a drop in interest in serving in what is a drying up force. This then leads to the laying up of many of the few ships left followed
by more drop in interest in joining the service and more ships layed up. It's a circling the plug hole phenomenon.
I have a fear that in the next round of cuts the type 26 will be cut from 8 to 5 ships and the new solid stores ships from 3 to 2. The MRSS
project will be downscaled or put on hold. Shortage of people will be cited as a contributing factor.
How do people feel about the future of the Royal Navy? I guess I've made my fears plain. I think the liquidation policy started in 2010
will go on. I think in 20 years the navy will be the nuclear deterrent plus a carrier in service and one mothballed with about 15 escorts
including type 31. No amphibious capability and skeletal Royal Marines. Anyone else with an opinion about where it will be in 20 years?
statistics: Posted by Saltheart — 2:44 AM - Today — Replies 3 — Views 78