So - a little hesitantly as this is hostile airspace - where we seem to be is that
- we need a proper MPA to do a proper MPA military job
- we're sceptical that the resources exist or will be found to do this
- while it's not true to say there is no money, it's hard to see how the unallocated pot will cover it and in any case running costs will still need to be found
- On the other hand, ministers have dropped heavy hints that the MPA issue is recognised and will be addressed in the SDSR
Bit of a conundrum really. It genuinely sounds to me like the political will do do something there, but what that will translate to in practice is a difficult one to call at this stage. Personally I think there will be shuffling of deckchairs to deliver a handful of P8 or CN295, but we shall see.