UK 2004 Budget: Brown says Real Increase in Defence spending

[ShadowNeo]

The budget is currently being broadcasted live on the TV.

Just something I picked up, Mr Brown has stated that he wishes to increase Defence spending in real terms over the coming years, and applauded the work of British forces across the world.

[Argyll]

Hollow words from a Fat basta*d!!

Increased spending isn't going to get rid of the problems faced right now!

The labour Inner sphincter sent our lads to war without the proper kit,time they all admitted it for a change,then they might....just might start getting some respect back!

[ShadowNeo]

I see where your coming from Argyll, personally I tend not to get angry at the current government as I think the last government was responsible in some way for the problems with the forces at the moment.

For example, it could be said that if the last government had implemented proper stockpiling procedures in terms of desert equipment etc (simmilar to what the US does) this shortage might not be around. After all, they went through desert warfare themselves, and should have built on that experience for the good of the forces.

I respect what your saying though, as of course I have yet to serve and you already have, so you probably have a more factual-based opinion than mine :).

[mocking_loudly_died]

Woo hoo, new tooth brushes.

[Argyll]

It's highly unlikely that many of our Armed Forces agree or support our clique,after the **** they've had to put up with during OEF and OIF.

[Gringo]

It doesn't matter how much more spending there will be on defence. It will just mean Hoon will invest in putting money down the drain, which could be used to buy the essential equipment for the troops.

[ShadowNeo]

The government hopefully will put the lessons of the Iraq War to use in the future, although it probably won't be in effect until 2005 from what I hear (in regards to the new Logistics system). Sure the government has screwed up over this one, but then again I can't remember a UK government that has been perfect Defence-wise.

[Royal]

After every conflict in my lifetime the MoD has conducted a 'Lessons Learned' exercise (this used to be called 'Lessons Forgotton'). Now they don't even have the grace to call it Lessons Learned.

We will never properly learn lessons while everything revolves round a party that is in power for 4/5 year turns and we have Generals more concerned with their peerages and directorships with defence manufacturers. Anyone that makes a difference (DLB and Mike Rose spring to mind) are 'retired' and we get pricks like Walker.

[DeltaWhisky58]

We will never properly learn lessons while everything revolves round a party that is in power for 4/5 year turns and we have Generals more concerned with their peerages and directorships with defence manufacturers. Anyone that makes a difference (DLB and Mike Rose spring to mind) are 'retired' and we get pricks like Walker.

The best thing I've read here in ages - well said mate.

[martinexsquaddie]

i remember options for change gut the infantry just before bosnia kicked off way to go torys :roll:
labour are know better if we want to save defense budget
bin trident keep a couple of nukes or go halves with the french on Euronuke (give george something else to worry about :lol: )
cull mod civil servant 10000 to look over something less than 250000 service personal that includes army navy royals TA cadets OTC oh and the raf (or are they contolled by the NHS :) )
25000 should be able to do the job

[Resevoir Hogs]

How much of a defence increase are we talking about? Did he give a figure? I think right now MOD spends 31.5 billion USD on defence annually.

[ShadowNeo]

All he stated in the budget was that it was an increase in real terms, which I believe means it will be a higher % rise than the previous rise.

[Argyll]

this is a white Elephant.........................his Increase in Spending is coming from the proposed cuts to the Armed Services