Squirrel

I wouldn't recommend going straight to the resignation phase. I would go via the overspend the budget stage first. Seems to work for the NHS. If the centre haven't given the frontline sufficient cash to run the current level of capability then there is something wrong with the budget. How can we be in a position to run X number of stations and Y number of squadrons last year but not this year? Same goes for RN ships and army regiments.

We need PUS and 2nd PUS to understand that there are no "savings" left to be had, we are now into cutting capability to save money. If we weren't then we wouldn't be looking at closing stations, mothballing half the E3 fleet, scrapping 2 GR4 sqns and getting rid of an entire fleet early.

I agree with you though - it is time that the centre put up one or two big ticket items for the savings measures. And tell the Govt that we cannot afford them without more funding. Sadly at the moment that has to be Trident and/or the carriers. Typhoon money is contractually committed so no savings there. FSTA, possible, but savings not that great unless looking whole life and we need AAR aircraft soon to replace the VC10 if not, yet, the Tristar. Army programmes.......? It has to be the Trident replacement and the carriers (and I am actually a fan of the carriers before I get accused of being single service-ist. Unfortunately there aren't any other programmes with enough £s attached).

Cost savings
 

Just what the PM wants, it would fit in well with keeping his party membership on side and give him the opportunity to say:
'well I didn't want to, but my prudent friends in the military felt it was the best thing to do'.
Personally I'd be looking at gaining profit from the defence estate that is lying around empty. Perhaps rusticating the major departments in London?

NHS private sector deals scrapped
 

NHS private sector deals scrapped

So if the credit crunch increases the cost of FSTA (and a few other of MoD's PFI projects), what happens if that approach no longer offers value for money?