This thread from Jet Blast may interest you. It started with a link to an article from the
LA Times...
Going it alone because we have to
This is an American perspective of current UK defence issues. This raises an important point, our ability to influence Washington is reduced by the cutbacks in our forces. After the tragedy of 9/11, it was said by some that Tony Blair was able to exert a restraining influence. Today, could the same degree of influence exist? Think of the things we had in 2001 we currently do not have?
Sea Harrier, Canberra, SDR mandated force levels (eg 32 frigates/destroyers, 40 infantry battalions, five air defence RAF squadrons, etc etc).
Not only is our ability to influence events impaired, our ability to react to them is severely comprimised too.