Local Regiment Fights Cuts

7.09.35pm GMT Thu 9th Dec 2004

Vincent Cable, MP, has backed a call by the Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, which recruits regular and TA soldiers locally and across London, and which faces a disbandment of four of its (40) battalions as part of the governments proposals for army restructuring.

Vincent Cable said that Colonel Wilde had written from his regimental HQ in the Tower of London seeking support in the face of planned cuts which the Colonel believes will undermine his regiments operational capability as well as its traditions: there is obviously very strong feeling in the army; it is very unusual for senior officers to write directly to MPs seeking support".

"I have to say that the cuts make little sense. Billions are being spent on major equipment contracts of questionable value like the Eurofighter, but frontline troops who are essential for security and peace keeping are being cut back.".

"I have never served in the forces - I was too young to be conscripted - but I understand the strong feelings of loyalty felt by servicemen and women and ex-servicemen and women. It is reckless for the government to disregard these feelings . While much has been made about the Black Watch - quite recently - the London regiment has been largely forgotten."