A letter written on Monday 27th September by Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox to David Cameron has been leaked to the Daily Telegraph.
In the letter Dr Fox warned Cameron that "dangerous" and "draconian" cuts to Britain’s military budget while the country was at war could lead to "grave consequences" for the Armed Forces. Dr Fox also comments in the letter that Cameron risks "destroying much of the reputation and capital" they have built up on defence and noted that if cuts go ahead then the "range of operations that we can do today we will simply not be able to do in the future."
The letter was written in advance of a National Security Council meeting between the parties to discuss the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
Previously, Fox had agreed in public that the MoD would have to feel the burden of cuts.
Defence cuts are being made as a result of the Treasury asking the MoD to save 10% on its annual £37billion budget. This amount of saving could mean that tens of thousands of Armed Forces personnel may lose their jobs.
Dr Fox goes on to comment in his letter; "Frankly, this process is looking less and less defensible as a proper SDSR and more like a "super CSR" (comprehensive spending review). "If it continues on its current trajectory it is likely to have grave political consequences for us."
All branches of the Armed Forces face cuts to their capabilities including the Royal Navy’s plan for new aircraft carriers and the Royal Air Force who may lose many fighters and any new Nimrod surveillance aircraft, all of which are needed.
The Review has been under debate for months, having been criticised by MPs. Bob Ainsworth, former Defence Secretary has spoken out commenting; "It is clear the government is in chaos.....This is an incredible letter which reflects many of our concerns about their approach to this review."
Only last month it was reported that the MoD were planning to axe 5,000 wounded war heroes who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of the injured have sustained serious personal injury having served in recent and fierce operations overseas.
In June 2005 the long term future of Headley Court Defence Medical Centre that cares and rehabilitates injured personnel from all service disciplines, was thrown into doubt as a result of defence cuts. The Centre currently treats around 6,500 patients per year for a range of serious injuries including limb loss, brain and spinal injury or a combination of both as well as muscle, bone and joint injuries. For most of those injured in combat, Headley Court is their final and most vital stage of the recovery process.
After months of the MoD trying to find ways of cutting their budget, Dr Fox confirms that the cuts are "financially and intellectually virtually impossible".
Operations across all branches of the Armed Forces could be affected dramatically and the fear is that the cuts would seriously damage morale. Fox comments that this occurs during a "period of major challenge (and, in all probability, significant casualties) in Afghanistan."
To make such drastic cuts across the Armed Forces when the war in Afghanistan would have a significant effect on all personnel serving oversees. The cuts also come at a time when national security is of increasing importance
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