BEagle,
Not at all, sorry to dissapoint.
I took issue with all those who were spouting nonsense about cuts in defence expenditure when it was being increased. I was especially disgruntled with those of a Tory ilk who KNOW that if they were in power they would be cutting ALL forms of Public sector expenditute to fund tax cuts.
I do not think we need the current number of fast jet units and surface warships, but I DO NOT defend this white paper or what is being done to the capability of the UK armed forces. The SH debacle is what finally did it for me, the one area where an increase could be reasonably expected is now to be cut.
So BEagle and Archimedes, do not expect me to come dashing to the rescue when the cuts in capability are attacked, I think we spend just about the right amount on defence, not sure we have adeqauately covered the costs of Iraq, and damm sure we have constant procurement cock ups that NOONE is responsible for either in uniform or in Whitehall in suits.