I was due to go on the radio tomorrow to discuss the findings of an investigation into Nimrod crashes, but the priority has been changed: just like the PM’s mind. We will now talk about the TA instead.
Two weeks ago we were told that it was necessary to cut the training of TA soldiers for the rest of the financial year unless they were going to deploy on operations. This would save a pathetic £20 million, even if it could ruin recruitment and retention of trained soldiers.
Yesterday we heard that this would be changed and that enough budget was being enabled to provide for training on one evening per month. This was strongly opposed by the opposition benches and also by serious opposition on the Labour benches. A revolt was growing.
After some Labour lobbying by John Reid, a former defence secretary, we no learn that the PM will change it all back to the way it was and there will be no cuts to TA training this financial year. Presumably someone will spin this as a PM who listens. From my perspective it shows a PM who does not think.
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