LABOUR MUST CLIMB DOWN ON CADET CUTS

LABOUR MUST CLIMB DOWN ON CADET CUTS

As Cadet leaders warn defence funding cuts will threaten the future of the youth organisation, SNP Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP has hit out at the UK Government’s short-sightedness and called for a u-turn on the damaging cuts.

There is growing support for Mr Robertson’s House of Commons Early Day Motion which expresses concern at the £4 million reduction in cadet resources and called on Ministers to back track on the harmful decision.

Commenting, Mr Robertson said:

“The Cadet Corps is on the eve of its 150 year anniversary and instead of rewarding this proud, long-standing tradition the UK Government is making damaging moves which undermine the important role the force plays.

“Cadets are our soldiers of tomorrow with a quarter of Army recruits having belonged to the scheme. The leadership and discipline instilled in teenagers by the Cadets is second to none and these cuts make an absolute mockery of Gordon Brown’s stated aim to increase Cadet numbers.

“The £4 million pound saving is a slight amount to spend on an altogether positive scheme when Labour is planning on squandering £100 billion on the unwanted and wholly negative Trident renewal.

“Gordon Brown was forced to u-turn on Gurkhas and turn tail on the TA. Now Downing Street must climb down on Cadet cuts.