Since time immemorial, the default option when any s
t has it any fan is to call in the military.
In my time we've had countless floods dealt with by the fine folks from the SAR fleet, at least one fire strike, several NEOs, snow shovelling, potential prison officer strikes, token gestures to overseas relief efforts (Pak floods, Haiti earthquake)............................................ the list goes on; almost all of this is outside our core business, yet the
public perception is that the military are the most capable both in management and equipment in a crisis.
Methinks the time has come to put up a sign on the front door of MOD main building that reads:
"HM Armed Forces are currently engaged in operations around the world and in this country. If you would like to engage our services in any new operation/crisis please first direct your query to HMT c/o No 11 Downing St, who will issue you with a note for funds to be made available. If they are unwilling to do so, or you cannot remunerate us for our services, we have no choice but to decline your request, as we do not have the resources. Many thanks."
Clearly a simple "B****r off" would be insufficient in terms of justification but would carry the same message.
TTH
May