On
the same day that the Liberal Democrats have announced a manifesto
commitment to the NATO 2% defence spending target, former party Leader
Paddy Ashdown has launched a petition to stop further cuts to the Royal
Marines in which he served.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said,
‘In
an uncertain and volatile world, it’s our Armed Forces that keep us
safe and allow us to play our part in creating a more stable
international community.
“Our
service personnel are the best in the world. And it’s right that we
reward them fairly and make sure that they have the right equipment to
do the job.
“So today, our party is proud to commit to NATO’s defence spending target. For
all their rhetoric, the crisis in recruitment and their botched defence
review show that the Conservatives have let our Armed Forces down.
“The
Liberal Democrats are the only party that can challenge the
Conservatives and stand up for strong Armed Forces, fit for the 21st
century.”
Former Royal Marine and Lib Dem peer Paddy Ashdown said,
“In
an unpredictable age, we need forces that are fast, flexible and
mobile. That's what the Royal Marines do at a world-class level. But the
government has just announced damaging cuts of 200 marines, with no
assurance that there won’t be more cuts in the future.
"The
Royal Marines have carried the greatest burden in the defence of our
country over the last decade - they have fought in more theatres and won
more battles than any other British unit. They are also the crucial
manpower pool from which we draw many of our Special Forces. We need
them as never before.
“I
urge everyone who cares about this proud and illustrious unit and the
nation’s defence to add their voice to my call for 'NO FURTHER CUTS TO
THE ROYAL MARINES' at www.saveroyalmarines.org."
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