Think Defence hopes to start sensible conversations about UK defence issues, no agenda or no campaign but there might be one or two posts on containers, bridges and mexeflotes!
413 thoughts on “Open Thread – Politics and Business I”
Angus McLellan
@ChrisB: If you want to split the debts you surely need to split the assets too. There’s a huge amount of debt and not so many assets. But as Tubby says, what would be worth taking? The only obvious biggish-ticket items would be helicopters and C-130Js and possibly a couple of half-built Type 26s, always assuming that they’ve progressed beyond the PowerPoint phase. Type 23s and Typhoons both have the same basic flaw, although for different reasons. They are expensive to feed and care for.
@Dom: Barrow would be a poor base for submarines, a long way from open ocean and the amount of dredging needed to get Trident boats in and out was said to be huge. Devonport is the most obvious alternative to Faslane. The problem, as it always has been, is to find a Coulport-substitute. Something floaty in Carrick Roads or Falmouth Bay perhaps?
In terms of choice as to where to serve, what the SNP may think would be less important than what Westminster decided. The Irish Free State example/precedent is a poor one for all sorts of reasons. But as far as it goes, what happened then was that regiments recruited in the Free State were disbanded and those recruited at least partly in Northern Ireland were kept on the books. However, in the event of split the UK defence budget would be facing a cut in cash terms of 10% in round numbers. It would be no surprise at all if everything that could be claimed to be “Scottish” were to be disbanded and personnel numbers cut yet again. There might not be a large element of choice for everyone since the alternative to the Scottish forces might be no job at all.
Brian Black
They should take their share of surplus Challengers, worn out Tornados and the like, whether they want them or not. Certainly shouldn’t be allowed to cherry-pick the newest and best kit.
The SNP still arrogantly view manpower as a product to take, rather than people to recruit. Even if every Scot wanted to transfer to a Scottish force, I doubt they’d get a good balance of trades and skills. Probably was easier for the Irish than it would be with today’s much more hi-tech and complex forces.
ArmChairCivvy
RE “Certainly shouldn’t be allowed to cherry-pick the newest and best kit”…and not cash, which is in short supply
Anyway, we are coming up with good slogans for the referendum:”in the event of split the UK defence budget would be facing a cut in cash terms of 10% in round numbers. It would be no surprise at all if everything that could be claimed to be “Scottish” were to be disbanded and personnel numbers cut yet again.”
- the closes existing parallel would probably be Catalonia in Spain. They have, through decades long negotiation, got their share of local tax take to 90 %
- with the same formula (and no more subsidy!), 9 % would go towards common defence (non-nuclear Scotland might still be an issue to be worked on) and the 1% would correspond to foreign aid goal (mind you, that would mean paying for two sets of embassies and consular representation) as defence and foreign policy are indivisible
Brian Black
Didn’t Salmond screw the prospects of Scottish independence anyway? The moment he decided to introduce the third option of ‘devolution max’ in the referendum – divides many who might otherwise have voted to leave.
Much Scottish culture and tradition is 19th century invention. I wonder also how this new and imaginary Scandinavian identity goes down with those who see their ancestry as Irish, many nationalists included.
Chris.B.
Forgot about this thread.
“The moment he decided to introduce the third option of ‘devolution max’ in the referendum…”
Which is where all this is really headed. Salmond doesn’t want independence, what he wants is to get his grubby mits on the money and the power, without the over arching responsibility for things like defence and diplomacy.
Personally I think the whole devolution thing is a waste of time, except Northern Ireland. The power these assemblies possess is quite limited and the cost of their buildings plus all those assembly ministers seems like a waste.
I believe Cameron announced recently a plan to jump the gun on Salmond and force a referendum which would only have two choices; yes or no to independence.
Frankly it’s in the tories favour. No Scottish MP’s would make it almost prohibitive for Labour to get re-elected.
Gabriele
“Frankly it’s in the tories favour. No Scottish MP’s would make it almost prohibitive for Labour to get re-elected.”
Is it also in the UK’s favour?
Andy
Beyond border security, in what interest to the rest of the UK is it to see one part of the union granted Devo max with benefits over the other 3 countries? None.
You cannot have 2 economies within one country & currency with unlimited borrowing powers.
Should be a straight yes/no to any referendum, anything else will antagonise everyone else in the UK that isn’t Scottish.
Considering Scotland would get lumped with £150bn debt from the off, not have AAA borrowing rates and would have to spend a significant chunk of its GDP on the servicing the debt I agree with others that Salmond doesn’t think Scots will vote for independence so will go for milking Westminster for as much British taxpayers money as possible as well as more power.
Chris.B.
In the sense that Labour governements are bad?
Gabriele
In the sense that, from the outside at least, it looks like no one gains from an eventual separation, other than the Tories.
And i’m horrified by the disproportionate effects that, i fear, a separation would have on the armed forces.
But, again, i’m gazing at this from the outside.
Chris.B.
@ Gabs
“In the sense that, from the outside at least, it looks like no one gains from an eventual separation, other than the Tories”
That’s about the sum of the situation.
Topman
it looks like no one gains from an eventual separation
Apart from the SNP, it’s their ultimate dream.
DominicJ
Everyone will be better off seperate.
The Tories are of course the most obvious winner, but Scotland wins, as does England.
England wins, because it no longer has to subsidise the Scotland, but Scotland wins, because its forced to earn its own way.
Educated Scots will no longer jump on a train to London and never come back, they’ll migrate to Glasgow, or Edinburgh.
Politics in Scotland will cease to revolve around who can beg the most from Westminster!
It could even improve defence!
Scotland would want little more than Fisheries Protection and Maritime Patrol, the UK could subcontract those services, in exchange for protection by our high end warfighters
Chris.B.
Having greasy Salmon-d up north making deals with people not in the best interests of the UK? I don’t see that working out well.
paul g
so having watched the news, and seen sarkosy and DC cocking a snoot at each other when passing in the room anyone else think the “new best friends” era with regard to defence is over. Bang goes the rafales theory TD!!!
jedibeeftrix
nah, IR is a pragmatic business, regardless of europe both france and britain know THEY only stand to gain by supporting each others ambitions.
besides which, sarkosy will be out in 9 months, and the left of france is much less enamoured of the european political project.
Chris.B.
JDBFTRX has hit the nail on the head there. Much depends on what happens with Sarkosy. The word on the street is that not a lot of people are particulalrly pleased with the way he’s snuggling up to Germany.
I’m worried for the small nations of Europes periphery more than anything. This whole Euro business is essentially a large con meant to support German manufacturing, and unfortunately a lot of small countries in Europe and around it are going to pay a heavy long term price in order to support Germany.
x
DomJ said “Scotland would want little more than Fisheries Protection”
You will note their latest ship was built in Poland. So much for the naughty London government not supporting Scottish shipbuilding.
Dangerous Dave
@ Chris B. 09/12/11:
“I’m worried for the small nations of Europes periphery more than anything. ”
Seems like *we* might be a nation on the European Periphery, now.
Thing is, I can’t help but think that this is a “good thing” tm. After all, this and the last govt’s international policy directives were mostly aimed at Africa & India. Maybe we should be trying to mould the Commonwealth into an trade union, tied together with DfID funding!!
jedibeeftrix
@ DD – “Seems like *we* might be a nation on the European Periphery, now. Thing is, I can’t help but think that this is a good thing tm.”
Agreed, and if TD will forgive me for linking a non-military article:
There was always a split in the EU, ever since the Euro, but we have always pretended there wasn’t, so it was impossible to articulate a different evolution for the union.
Well, we’ve stopped pretending, but perhaps the happy result will be that countries like Sweden can stop pretending they might join were it not for some ‘inconvenient’ technicalities.
I know AAC has some reservations, and I put a lot of stock in his opinion of matters financial, but I believe the politics makes the opportunity worth the risk.
Think Defence
Nice to see Andrew Gilligan crediting Think Defence as the source for his story
That would mean a Newspaper had to give someone else credit, which is something they don’t take to lightly!
As for Europe, I think this is a good thing. This split in the Euro countries will not be held together just by a bit of treaty change. The Euro is dying, and I doubt much is going to save it. Just last week it was revealed in several of the lower key news outlets that the Germans are printing new Deutsche Marks in case the Euro fails and everyone goes back to their old currencies (a wise plan).
Ultimately “more europe” benefits Germany and France, and to a lesser extent some of the other countries, but it will shaft most of the smaller ones, who will find themselves bound by the rules, regulations and financial conditions of the larger states and unable to compete effectively in sectors like manufacturing, where they otherwise might be able to gain a big advantage.
paul g
faun trackway have won an £18million order from turkey for tracklaying equipment,trucks and trackway. They have also opened an office in washington DC, (like griffon hovercraft, you have to have premises in the US to get a look in, it’s a legal thing i believe, don’t quote me though)
Chris.B.
Who says we never export anything?
paul g
we? didn’t realise you were welsh as well!!!
Chris.B.
I think you’ll find that you’re under the jurisdiction of Her Majesty’s government and as such, subject to the Laws and Customs of the United Kingdom
Topman
i don’t know if it’s been put up already. Upto 13000 troops required on busy days for the olympics. It seems mainly checking bags and tickets. Wonderful
ArmChairCivvy
From wired.com 15 Dec:
“But the issue would appear to be moot. In the statement, Meyer said he was “gratified” to learn that BAE “did not ultimately sell and does not intend to sell advanced thermal scopes to Pakistan.” He will drop his lawsuits against both BAE — which he said performs “important work… to protect the men and women of the U.S. military” — and McCreight.
It is not clear from the statement what compelled Meyer to change his mind. The lawsuit was not primarily about the scope sale, but rather about the slander and retaliation charges. Those go unmentioned in the statement.”
andyw
Dear leader, Kim Jong-Il, has ceased to be. Heart attack apparently.
Phil
“Upto 13000 troops required on busy days for the olympics. It seems mainly checking bags and tickets. Wonderful ”
Ha ha! Stag on!
Phil
“Dear leader, Kim Jong-Il, has ceased to be. Heart attack apparently.”
I reckon he’s been dead ages and the news was about to get out. Or he’s freshly dead and someone broke the news quick so they could move quickly to secure power.
paul g
phil, i used to do that at wimbledon, but there you get £100ish a day from the tennis club to cover transport and lodgings and squaddie loving posh totty everywhere!!!
Not wishing to be stirring it, but why were the news reports of the PM’s visit to Afganistan centered around the RAF. OK he couldn’t get to Bastion, but the RAF are only a part of our effort and I notice that the photocall had to feature a female crew member. Not cynical in the least !
Also did not the Tornadoes look a lot darker than I remember them.
paul g
i read in the paper that typhoon has lost out to F-35 in japan, 42 ordered, ah well there’s still india and brazil. That’s brazil who’s just banned any ship flying the falklands islands flag from docking in it’s ports. oh shite!!
Phil
Ironic really as Kandahar is far more dangerous than Bastion.
Topman
Afganistan centered around the RAF. OK he couldn’t get to Bastion
err cos there’s nearly no army in KAF? Maybe we should we had them drive over just so they could be included in the pictures?
Phil
They were on their way but the Snatch broke down.
Topman
Sounds about right for that pile of shit
ArmChairCivvy
Yeah, $127 m a piece for the 42 F-35s to Japan (with spares… it is the “A” which currently costs 15m less to build (profit is in there as the parts come from so many different players).
India, yes. Brazil would need a carrier-capable a/c, at least that’s in the tender terms.
andyw
Act of Valor
I just watched a trailer for this new film, and it looks pretty good. It’s supposedly inspired by true events, but here’s the thing – it’s actually starring real-life active duty SEALs!
I really don’t know what to think of this, aside from obvious propaganda, isn’t there some security risk (I assume they’re using aliases, but even so), and couldn’t this be used as a training manual by potential enemies?
“Weapons procurement could fall to private sector under new proposals
Ministers consider involving private sector in purchasing decisions to bring an end to overspending at Ministry of Defence
”
A cop out or what!
“We’re so useless and we can’t be bothered to do it ourself and we sacked the wrong people”
So defence companies get to manage how the money is spent!
It’ll be available to all on iPlayer soon so give it a listen.
Mark
China gets approval for Afghanistan oil exploration bid.The approval is a major win for China as it has been looking to invest in resource-rich Afghanistan.
Mark, I guess eventually, a relatively small number of Afghans -government officials in the main- will become insanely rich; and a few million peasants will become that much more dissatisfied with their lot in life.
Add a long history and culture of war, tribalsm and corruption into the mix, along with the various religious nut-jobs who want everyone to live in the stone-age, and I reckon China will find itself pretty busy in Afghanistan.
Gareth Jones
Looks like the Aussies value our military personnel, even if we don’t:
Using round figures that about a 20 £billion per annum + increase in defence expenditure.
OK so what do you cut by 20 £ billion? Cut it of benefits and you will need all that 20 billion to contain the riots. Cut it of health and education and you can forget getting elected.
Borrow it and the bond market will wreck your economy It would represent approx a 15% increase in current account deficit.
So literately; what gives?
IXION
MCz
I don’t think we can go green, but we can go nuclear. I am looking forward too a crash program.
@ChrisB: If you want to split the debts you surely need to split the assets too. There’s a huge amount of debt and not so many assets. But as Tubby says, what would be worth taking? The only obvious biggish-ticket items would be helicopters and C-130Js and possibly a couple of half-built Type 26s, always assuming that they’ve progressed beyond the PowerPoint phase. Type 23s and Typhoons both have the same basic flaw, although for different reasons. They are expensive to feed and care for.
@Dom: Barrow would be a poor base for submarines, a long way from open ocean and the amount of dredging needed to get Trident boats in and out was said to be huge. Devonport is the most obvious alternative to Faslane. The problem, as it always has been, is to find a Coulport-substitute. Something floaty in Carrick Roads or Falmouth Bay perhaps?
In terms of choice as to where to serve, what the SNP may think would be less important than what Westminster decided. The Irish Free State example/precedent is a poor one for all sorts of reasons. But as far as it goes, what happened then was that regiments recruited in the Free State were disbanded and those recruited at least partly in Northern Ireland were kept on the books. However, in the event of split the UK defence budget would be facing a cut in cash terms of 10% in round numbers. It would be no surprise at all if everything that could be claimed to be “Scottish” were to be disbanded and personnel numbers cut yet again. There might not be a large element of choice for everyone since the alternative to the Scottish forces might be no job at all.
They should take their share of surplus Challengers, worn out Tornados and the like, whether they want them or not. Certainly shouldn’t be allowed to cherry-pick the newest and best kit.
The SNP still arrogantly view manpower as a product to take, rather than people to recruit. Even if every Scot wanted to transfer to a Scottish force, I doubt they’d get a good balance of trades and skills. Probably was easier for the Irish than it would be with today’s much more hi-tech and complex forces.
RE “Certainly shouldn’t be allowed to cherry-pick the newest and best kit”…and not cash, which is in short supply
Anyway, we are coming up with good slogans for the referendum:”in the event of split the UK defence budget would be facing a cut in cash terms of 10% in round numbers. It would be no surprise at all if everything that could be claimed to be “Scottish” were to be disbanded and personnel numbers cut yet again.”
- the closes existing parallel would probably be Catalonia in Spain. They have, through decades long negotiation, got their share of local tax take to 90 %
- with the same formula (and no more subsidy!), 9 % would go towards common defence (non-nuclear Scotland might still be an issue to be worked on) and the 1% would correspond to foreign aid goal (mind you, that would mean paying for two sets of embassies and consular representation) as defence and foreign policy are indivisible
Didn’t Salmond screw the prospects of Scottish independence anyway? The moment he decided to introduce the third option of ‘devolution max’ in the referendum – divides many who might otherwise have voted to leave.
Much Scottish culture and tradition is 19th century invention. I wonder also how this new and imaginary Scandinavian identity goes down with those who see their ancestry as Irish, many nationalists included.
Forgot about this thread.
“The moment he decided to introduce the third option of ‘devolution max’ in the referendum…”
Which is where all this is really headed. Salmond doesn’t want independence, what he wants is to get his grubby mits on the money and the power, without the over arching responsibility for things like defence and diplomacy.
Personally I think the whole devolution thing is a waste of time, except Northern Ireland. The power these assemblies possess is quite limited and the cost of their buildings plus all those assembly ministers seems like a waste.
I believe Cameron announced recently a plan to jump the gun on Salmond and force a referendum which would only have two choices; yes or no to independence.
Frankly it’s in the tories favour. No Scottish MP’s would make it almost prohibitive for Labour to get re-elected.
“Frankly it’s in the tories favour. No Scottish MP’s would make it almost prohibitive for Labour to get re-elected.”
Is it also in the UK’s favour?
Beyond border security, in what interest to the rest of the UK is it to see one part of the union granted Devo max with benefits over the other 3 countries? None.
You cannot have 2 economies within one country & currency with unlimited borrowing powers.
Should be a straight yes/no to any referendum, anything else will antagonise everyone else in the UK that isn’t Scottish.
Considering Scotland would get lumped with £150bn debt from the off, not have AAA borrowing rates and would have to spend a significant chunk of its GDP on the servicing the debt I agree with others that Salmond doesn’t think Scots will vote for independence so will go for milking Westminster for as much British taxpayers money as possible as well as more power.
In the sense that Labour governements are bad?
In the sense that, from the outside at least, it looks like no one gains from an eventual separation, other than the Tories.
And i’m horrified by the disproportionate effects that, i fear, a separation would have on the armed forces.
But, again, i’m gazing at this from the outside.
@ Gabs
“In the sense that, from the outside at least, it looks like no one gains from an eventual separation, other than the Tories”
That’s about the sum of the situation.
it looks like no one gains from an eventual separation
Apart from the SNP, it’s their ultimate dream.
Everyone will be better off seperate.
The Tories are of course the most obvious winner, but Scotland wins, as does England.
England wins, because it no longer has to subsidise the Scotland, but Scotland wins, because its forced to earn its own way.
Educated Scots will no longer jump on a train to London and never come back, they’ll migrate to Glasgow, or Edinburgh.
Politics in Scotland will cease to revolve around who can beg the most from Westminster!
It could even improve defence!
Scotland would want little more than Fisheries Protection and Maritime Patrol, the UK could subcontract those services, in exchange for protection by our high end warfighters
Having greasy Salmon-d up north making deals with people not in the best interests of the UK? I don’t see that working out well.
so having watched the news, and seen sarkosy and DC cocking a snoot at each other when passing in the room anyone else think the “new best friends” era with regard to defence is over. Bang goes the rafales theory TD!!!
nah, IR is a pragmatic business, regardless of europe both france and britain know THEY only stand to gain by supporting each others ambitions.
besides which, sarkosy will be out in 9 months, and the left of france is much less enamoured of the european political project.
JDBFTRX has hit the nail on the head there. Much depends on what happens with Sarkosy. The word on the street is that not a lot of people are particulalrly pleased with the way he’s snuggling up to Germany.
I’m worried for the small nations of Europes periphery more than anything. This whole Euro business is essentially a large con meant to support German manufacturing, and unfortunately a lot of small countries in Europe and around it are going to pay a heavy long term price in order to support Germany.
DomJ said “Scotland would want little more than Fisheries Protection”
The Scots already do their own FP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Fisheries_Protection_Agency
You will note their latest ship was built in Poland. So much for the naughty London government not supporting Scottish shipbuilding.
@ Chris B. 09/12/11:
“I’m worried for the small nations of Europes periphery more than anything. ”
Seems like *we* might be a nation on the European Periphery, now.
Thing is, I can’t help but think that this is a “good thing” tm. After all, this and the last govt’s international policy directives were mostly aimed at Africa & India. Maybe we should be trying to mould the Commonwealth into an trade union, tied together with DfID funding!!
@ DD – “Seems like *we* might be a nation on the European Periphery, now. Thing is, I can’t help but think that this is a good thing tm.”
Agreed, and if TD will forgive me for linking a non-military article:
http://jedibeeftrix.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/opportunity-or-threat-5-has-cameron-succeeded-or-failed/
There was always a split in the EU, ever since the Euro, but we have always pretended there wasn’t, so it was impossible to articulate a different evolution for the union.
Well, we’ve stopped pretending, but perhaps the happy result will be that countries like Sweden can stop pretending they might join were it not for some ‘inconvenient’ technicalities.
I know AAC has some reservations, and I put a lot of stock in his opinion of matters financial, but I believe the politics makes the opportunity worth the risk.
Nice to see Andrew Gilligan crediting Think Defence as the source for his story
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8948475/A-Whitehall-scandal-thats-bigger-than-lobbying.html
Or not!
That would mean a Newspaper had to give someone else credit, which is something they don’t take to lightly!
As for Europe, I think this is a good thing. This split in the Euro countries will not be held together just by a bit of treaty change. The Euro is dying, and I doubt much is going to save it. Just last week it was revealed in several of the lower key news outlets that the Germans are printing new Deutsche Marks in case the Euro fails and everyone goes back to their old currencies (a wise plan).
Ultimately “more europe” benefits Germany and France, and to a lesser extent some of the other countries, but it will shaft most of the smaller ones, who will find themselves bound by the rules, regulations and financial conditions of the larger states and unable to compete effectively in sectors like manufacturing, where they otherwise might be able to gain a big advantage.
faun trackway have won an £18million order from turkey for tracklaying equipment,trucks and trackway. They have also opened an office in washington DC, (like griffon hovercraft, you have to have premises in the US to get a look in, it’s a legal thing i believe, don’t quote me though)
Who says we never export anything?
we? didn’t realise you were welsh as well!!!
I think you’ll find that you’re under the jurisdiction of Her Majesty’s government and as such, subject to the Laws and Customs of the United Kingdom
i don’t know if it’s been put up already. Upto 13000 troops required on busy days for the olympics. It seems mainly checking bags and tickets. Wonderful
From wired.com 15 Dec:
“But the issue would appear to be moot. In the statement, Meyer said he was “gratified” to learn that BAE “did not ultimately sell and does not intend to sell advanced thermal scopes to Pakistan.” He will drop his lawsuits against both BAE — which he said performs “important work… to protect the men and women of the U.S. military” — and McCreight.
It is not clear from the statement what compelled Meyer to change his mind. The lawsuit was not primarily about the scope sale, but rather about the slander and retaliation charges. Those go unmentioned in the statement.”
Dear leader, Kim Jong-Il, has ceased to be. Heart attack apparently.
“Upto 13000 troops required on busy days for the olympics. It seems mainly checking bags and tickets. Wonderful
”
Ha ha! Stag on!
“Dear leader, Kim Jong-Il, has ceased to be. Heart attack apparently.”
I reckon he’s been dead ages and the news was about to get out. Or he’s freshly dead and someone broke the news quick so they could move quickly to secure power.
phil, i used to do that at wimbledon, but there you get £100ish a day from the tennis club to cover transport and lodgings and squaddie loving posh totty everywhere!!!
Time for Christmas presents: List of modules (what! no containers) used on the LCS
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-usas-new-littoral-combat-ships-updated-01343/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=did&utm_content=WGS+%7
- no news, really, other than there will be a missile system good for both anti-ship and land targets use
- speculation that Jumper is at the front of the queue (NSM version to do the same is still in development and mainly positioned for airlaunch – could change, though)
Not wishing to be stirring it, but why were the news reports of the PM’s visit to Afganistan centered around the RAF. OK he couldn’t get to Bastion, but the RAF are only a part of our effort and I notice that the photocall had to feature a female crew member. Not cynical in the least !
Also did not the Tornadoes look a lot darker than I remember them.
i read in the paper that typhoon has lost out to F-35 in japan, 42 ordered, ah well there’s still india and brazil. That’s brazil who’s just banned any ship flying the falklands islands flag from docking in it’s ports. oh shite!!
Ironic really as Kandahar is far more dangerous than Bastion.
Afganistan centered around the RAF. OK he couldn’t get to Bastion
err cos there’s nearly no army in KAF? Maybe we should we had them drive over just so they could be included in the pictures?
They were on their way but the Snatch broke down.
Sounds about right for that pile of shit
Yeah, $127 m a piece for the 42 F-35s to Japan (with spares… it is the “A” which currently costs 15m less to build (profit is in there as the parts come from so many different players).
India, yes. Brazil would need a carrier-capable a/c, at least that’s in the tender terms.
Act of Valor
I just watched a trailer for this new film, and it looks pretty good. It’s supposedly inspired by true events, but here’s the thing – it’s actually starring real-life active duty SEALs!
I really don’t know what to think of this, aside from obvious propaganda, isn’t there some security risk (I assume they’re using aliases, but even so), and couldn’t this be used as a training manual by potential enemies?
Trailer and synopsis is here…
http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/actofvalor/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/23/weapons-procurement-decisions-private-sector
“Weapons procurement could fall to private sector under new proposals
Ministers consider involving private sector in purchasing decisions to bring an end to overspending at Ministry of Defence
”
A cop out or what!
“We’re so useless and we can’t be bothered to do it ourself and we sacked the wrong people”
So defence companies get to manage how the money is spent!
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/big-role-planned-for-private-sector-in-shakeup-of-defence-procurement-6281284.html
There’s an interesting report on Radio 4 at the moment, “Buying defence”.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017mtfc
It’ll be available to all on iPlayer soon so give it a listen.
China gets approval for Afghanistan oil exploration bid.The approval is a major win for China as it has been looking to invest in resource-rich Afghanistan.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16336453
Mark, I guess eventually, a relatively small number of Afghans -government officials in the main- will become insanely rich; and a few million peasants will become that much more dissatisfied with their lot in life.
Add a long history and culture of war, tribalsm and corruption into the mix, along with the various religious nut-jobs who want everyone to live in the stone-age, and I reckon China will find itself pretty busy in Afghanistan.
Looks like the Aussies value our military personnel, even if we don’t:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australian-military-seeks-uk-soldiers-facing-redundancy-6282187.html
U.S. Warns Iran Against Blocking Off Strait of Hormuz
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8684674&c=AME&s=SEA
Braveheart finally made it into production
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AHS_Krab
- even though it is the turret only
- barrel from Nexter
- chassis and electronics from Poland
Tubby
Using round figures that about a 20 £billion per annum + increase in defence expenditure.
OK so what do you cut by 20 £ billion? Cut it of benefits and you will need all that 20 billion to contain the riots. Cut it of health and education and you can forget getting elected.
Borrow it and the bond market will wreck your economy It would represent approx a 15% increase in current account deficit.
So literately; what gives?
MCz
I don’t think we can go green, but we can go nuclear. I am looking forward too a crash program.