"Let's support our National Industry - but they really do need to compete on a level field and not sit on entertainment allowances that push them into realms of fiscal stupidity"
It s very hard for a country of 65 million people, devoted to buying houses and low taxes, to finance a modern fast jet programme on it's own. Even the largest states can't afford all the kit they'd like - it comes down to the desire to have the absolute best , state o the art. UK industry could probably design and build a Hunter-type replacement , which without all the bells and whistles on an F-35, would be cost effective. But would any air force order them?