GOVERNMENT ASLEEP ON THE JOB ON ARMY RECRUITMENT
November 27, 2008 12:00 AM
Commenting on the today's MoD manning figures, which show that the total trained strength of UK regular forces has fallen by almost 1,000 over the past 6 months, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:
"With the mission in Afghanistan as difficult and important as ever, it is scandalous that the MoD is still allowing overall troop numbers to fall.
"Fighting on two fronts is clearly still taking a terrible toll. The Government must withdraw our troops from Iraq as soon as possible to allow Britain to refocus on the vital task in Afghanistan.
"The declining intake of new recruits to the Army is of particular concern. Given the undermining of the infantry, it seems incredible that the Government is still asleep on the job in terms of recruitment.
"Ministers must address the pressing issue of soldiers' welfare - particularly in terms of equipment and the lack of decent accommodation - if they hope to turn this around."
Notes to editors
1. The figures also show that:
· The total trained strength of UK regular forces has fallen by over 4,000 since April 2007
· The intake from civilian life to the regular Army has fallen by 500 over the last 6 months
2. The figures can be viewed in full here: <<a href="http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/index.php?page=48&thiscontent=30&date=2008-11-27&pubType=1&PublishTime=09">http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/index.php?page=48&thiscontent=30&date=2008-11-27&pubType=1&PublishTime=09:30:00&from=home&tabOption=1>
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