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Rennie attacks TA cuts
June 29, 2007 2:39 PM
A planned £5million cut to the Territorial Army could hit units like the Scottish Transport Regiment, based in Dunfermline. The fear has been expressed by local MP Willie Rennie who is supporting a Parliamentary Motion on the cuts. Mr Rennie, who the Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Spokesman is opposed to a plan proposed by Commander Regional Forces which could result in a drastic reduction in recruitment which would have a knock-on effect on the Scottish Transport Regiment.
The measures may also lead to the cancellation of the recruitment of over 200 permanent staff. The EDM also raises the prospect of the cuts having a serious detrimental effect on morale in the TA and urges the Government not to implement the savings.
Willie Rennie said:
"The Regiment in Dunfermline has to match the speed of the fighting troops to provide them with vital supplies, ammunition, fuel and other essential combat equipment, and play a very important role were they called upon.
"With the current levels of overstretch we see in our armed forces today, it seems ridiculous that the Government is proposing to cut funding and therefore reduce recruitment. Our forces have been very dependent on our reserve forces including the TA.
"The TA is a vital resource, one that we should be looking to maintain rather than undermine. I hope a new Government under Gordon Brown will do the right thing and reverse these plans."
"The Scottish Transport Regiment is an impressive outfit and an essential part of the TA. I want the Government to reject these cuts."
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