Quid Pro Quo
Representation in smaller countries will suffer; Howeover I understand that the study does not consider the representation of those countries in London, which will be a bit of a diplomatic snub for some, to say the least.
Jimlad, I agree that the quality of the DA will affect the performance in post and there has been a fair share of DAs misbehaving over the last few years. It should be borne in mind that the approval is still utlimately decided by the FCO, and by the HOM in particular. Accepting that selection and training has improved over the last few years, the point that I am making is that when the UK needs all the friends it can at the moment, and in countries where the importance of uniform and prestige is paramount, isn't UK plc making the impression by reducing its diplomatic presence?