David Cameron steps in to quell military revolt over cuts to defence budget

[unhappycamper]

General Sir Peter Wall, the Chief of the General Staff


David Cameron steps in to quell military revolt over cuts to defence budget
By James Kirkup and Andrew Porter
Published: 10:00PM BST 15 Oct 2010

The Prime Minister made his move after being told by the new head of the Army that proposed reductions in the Forces threatened Britain’s mission in Afghanistan.

General Sir Peter Wall, the Chief of the General Staff, made clear to Number 10 that he could not accept cuts in Army numbers and training which would hamper the Afghan operation. In the wake of Sir Peter’s warning, Downing Street sources last night said Mr Cameron had blocked a Treasury demand for a 10 per cent cut in the defence budget.

“He has intervened against the Treasury. The Army will be protected,” said a source.

Mr Cameron told the Treasury that he would not accept substantial reductions in Army numbers. Downing Street sources added that Mr Cameron was insistent that more savings be made from Trident.

~snip~

Army sources said the full cut demanded by the Treasury would have meant a loss of 7,000 men and the removal of up to four front-line infantry battalions. Army training operations would also have been affected, ultimately impacting on the Afghan operation, the Army warned.




unhappycamper comment: I hope that General Sir Peter Wall picks up his marbles and goes home. Who the hell let civilians tell the military how much money they could spend?

Note to Brits: You've already lost two times in Afghanistan. Why are you trying for a third shot?

[RandomThoughts]

1. What those politicians don't realize.

Is he is bluffing, he can not get the British soldiers to attack Britain.

Britain is a concept of democracy for the people through Parliament. Even King Arthur stories are about democracy, and discussion, not brute force. The concept of the round table.