A word of hope for the future. IMO the RAF and MoD have forfeited the privilege of self-regulation. I picked up this point off Hansard at the end of Des Browne's announcement.
Mr. Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater) (Con): The Secretary of State is aware that Europe is trying to have a military aviation authority. Will he explain why Rolls-Royce, which has been pushing the Government to accept this standard for years, has been ignored? Will the Government sign up to the European military aviation authority, to bring military aircraft in line with civil aviation? If there is a problem, what is it? Will the Minister sign up to this as soon as possible?
Des Browne: I shall consider the issue the hon. Gentleman raises. I am not in a position today to give him a detailed response, but I shall write to him on it.
Des Browne has found it within himself to do the right thing once, I urge him to do the right thing a 2nd time.
No more Nimrods dodging airliners on goggles over the skies of Afghanistan without TCAS, external airworthiness checks, the only way ahead for a military that has lost its way.