Defence Transformation

David Crausby Excerpts

Monday 18th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

I thought my hon. Friend might raise that issue and can tell her that there will be no change in the current usage.

[Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East) (Lab)]

How can we be certain that the right hon. Gentleman’s Government, propped up by the Liberals, will deliver and maintain the necessary training and support that our Territorials and reserves require, or is this just another way to cut the Army?

[Dr Fox]

The big difference between the Opposition and the Government is that we not only say that we believe in the Territorials; we are funding the Territorials, whereas they cut the Territorials. Moreover, we believe that having a stronger reserve is one of the ways of increasing the links between the armed forces and the communities of this country. That community linkage should not be underestimated, and it is not easy to put a monetary value on it.