Failures in consultation 'have put Britain's military capabilities at risk'

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/sep/05/army-cuts-ministry-of-defence-criticised-risk-britain

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Ministers have been accused by a parliamentary committee of putting Britain's military capabilities at risk by failing to consult senior army figures over a series of major cuts.

A report from the public accounts committee criticised the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for failing to consult the head of the army fully before pushing ahead with reductions to regular forces.

Ministers also gave little consideration as to whether it was possible to achieve their aim of nearly doubling reservist numbers by 2019, and wasted millions of pounds through a flawed deal with Capita, the report concluded.

The findings could prove to be embarrassing for David Cameron as Nato leaders meet in Wales. In a joint article with President Obama in the Times on Thursday, he said that other alliance partners are not spending enough on defence.

The report examined the Army 2020 programme which sets out to save more than £10bn over a decade by cutting 20,000 regular army personnel and increasing reservist strength to 30,000.

Margaret Hodge, chair of the committee, described the handling of the project so far as "astonishing" – particularly the failure to consult General Sir Peter Wall, the head of Britain's army.

"The decision to reduce the size of the army was driven by the need to make financial savings in a time of austerity," she said. "However, it is remarkable that the chief of the general staff was not involved in all stages of the decision-making process, given the magnitude and importance of the change required, and its impact on the service which he commands," she said.

The ministry also failed to test the feasibility of recruiting and training 30,000 reservists by 2019, Hodge said, and the strength of the reserve has stayed at around 19,000 for two years.

"The army told us that shortfalls in recruitment are increasing the risk of capability gaps emerging in some parts of the army's structure. This in turn increases the risk of additional pressure being placed on regular troops."

Capita, the private firm contracted to handle recruitment, was said to have brought in just 2,000 reserves in 2013/14 against a target of 6,000. The goal for recruitment of regulars was also missed by 30%, according to the committee.

But despite such glaring failings, the company was still awarded its full bonus for recruiting reservists. At least £70m of the planned £267m savings from the contract have already been lost, the report said.

The committee heard that contingency plans included extending tours of duty for regular troops, which could affect morale.

The MPs also criticised the MoD for failing to provide the National Audit Office with information it had requested on time.

Shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker said the report showed a "litany of catastrophic failures".

"These criticisms are hugely embarrassing for the government during the week that the UK is hosting the Nato summit and when David Cameron has called for Britain's international partners to meet their defence obligations," he said.

However, "His advice to the neighbours would be better received and have greater credibility if he had his own house in order."

Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, said he remained confident that the government will reach a target of 30,000 reservists.

"Working closely with the army and Capita, we have already addressed many of the points raised in this report, including streamlining medical and security clearance procedures, with further planned improvements on the medical process, empowering and incentivising local units to recruit and running a high profile recruitment campaign," he said.