Shadow defence sec: Ministers shrinking armed forces by stealth
Jim Murphy MP, Labour's shadow defence secretary, commenting on today's armed forces redundancies:
"The government's decision to cut the deficit too far and a rushed defence review which cut too fast means frontline forces are being sacked.
"Our forces perform heroics and must be treated accordingly.
"Ground crew who are essential for frontline RAF operations and army personnel who may serve in Afghanistan in future are being sacked today. The country will be hurt that brave Ghurkhas, championed by David Cameron in opposition, are also being made compulsorily redundant.
"Britain was able to participate in Libya at current capacity, using equipment planned to be scrapped by the defence review. As these cuts bite it is right that we ask what the impact will be on our ability to respond militarily to unpredictable events.
"In a world of uncertainty it is worrying that ministers' decisions are leading to Britain's strategic shrinkage by stealth.
"Rather than indulge in party politics I hope the defence secretary will think again about his defence strategy."
