NEWS: Sweeping Defence Cuts leave British Forces in a state of shock, page 1

British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon unveiled a sweeping set of cuts that are designed to streamline and modernise Britians forces. Critics have already stated that the services are overstretched, undermanned and under-funded. 20,000 personnel will be cut in the biggest shakeup of the forces since Cold War legislation. Details within...

BBC NewsBy 2008 the RAF will shed 7,500 jobs, the Navy 1,500 with a further 10,000 civilian posts also lost. Aircraft, tank and ship numbers will also be cut.

Flexibility and the ability to fight far from the UK is key, says Mr Hoon.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

"The threats to Britain's interests in the 21st Century are far more complex than was foreseen following the disintegration of the Soviet Empire.

Geoff Hoon, MP

DETAILS OF CUTS:

ROYAL AIR FORCE
-7,500 Jobs lost
-Entire Jaguar fleet (60+ aircraft) to be disbanded
-RAF Coltishall in Norfolk will close
-1 RAF Tornado F-3 air defence squadron

ROYAL NAVY
-3 type-42 destroyers to be taken out of service.
-3 type-23 frigates taken out of service.

BRITISH ARMY
-3 English Battalions lost.
-1 Scottish Battalion lost.

Many fear that specialist skills of the services will be lost in this dramatic shakeup. The plans have been met with strong criticism from opposition parties and others concerned. However, the overall defence budget will increase by �3.7bn from todays figure of �29.7bn. This will take overall spending to �33.4bn. Many wonder where all this money is going.

The Royal Navy will also take delivery of two large new aircraft carriers relatively soon which will give Britain a fleet of six carriers.

SkyNews
BBC News

[edit on 21-7-2004 by Nerdling]