Defence dilemma

THE rapidly-changing events in Egypt, Yemen, Syria and elsewhere are indicative of the global uncertainty facing political decision-makers.

Britain’s unexpected involvement in Libya, for example, also underlines the major gamble by Ministers when it decided to decommission the aircraft carrier Ark Royal – the ship adopted by the city of Leeds – as part of a hurried defence review.

A replacement will not be available until 2019. Yet, in just six months, the costs have risen by a further £2bn, an amount that puts the project’s future in doubt.

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If there is one lesson Ministers should have learned from Labour, who left the defence budget in a shambles, it is that getting basic sums right is an absolute priority.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the review put costcutting ahead of strategy. and even common sense.

The consequence is that this proud maritime nation been left with no carrier capability, hampering our involvement in unfolding international events.

It is, frankly, a shameful and risky state of affairs that needs resolving at the earliest opportunity.