Do the right thing, do not cut the TA's training budget

11.16.00am GMT Tue 27th Oct 2009

Sal Brinton, prospective MP for Watford has challenged Labour MPs to "do the right thing" and oppose Government plans to make severe cuts to the Territorial Army's training budget. Sal's daughter Helen is a member of the TA at her University.

Speaking ahead of an Opposition-led debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Sal warned that the effectiveness of TA reserves could be seriously affected if the plans went through.

Sal said "Labour MPs as well as Opposition MPs from the Tory and Lib Dem ranks have spoken out over their concerns at the Government's proposals to cut £20m from the TA's budget and halt all training for six months. The Government is now proposing to cut the budget by £17.5 million and retain one night of training per month. This is madness at a time when the armed forces are already overstretched and the TA are providing important support to Britain's involvement in Afghanistan"

"We have a long and proud history of the regular and TA services working as one army. These proposals will undermine that."

"There is a widespread view that Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth is not up to the job, and that Labour are increasingly incompetent on defence issues including procurement, operational equipment, the Gurkhas, armed forces housing, and on welfare. Their plans for the TA only add to the impression of disorganisation."

"I hope Labour MPs will do the right thing and vote against these cuts in the Commons on Wednesday".

Helen Whittaker said "The proposed training cuts will have a profound and widespread impact. Regular units will have to deal with less TA personnel being prepared for the prospect of operations overseas."