15-12-04

Local MP to join Scottish Regiments march

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today confirmed that he would be joining Saturday’s march in protest at plans to amalgamate Scottish regiments.
 
The march in Edinburgh has been organised by the “Save the Scottish Regiments” campaign. It will begin at East Market Street and conclude in Princes Street Gardens with a rally featuring a number of guest speakers, including recently serving members from the Black Watch and former senior officers from the Royal Scots.
 
Commenting, John Barrett MP said:
 
“There may very well be a case for reform in the army. However, to consider any reduction at a time when our armed forces are so needed and so overstretched is nothing short of madness. We live in very uncertain times and all the evidence suggests that our armed forces will have considerable commitments for some time to come.
 
“It is not good enough for the Defence Secretary to simply pass the buck and say this will be a decision taken by army Generals. After all, what is being proposed stands as a major policy shift, which the Government appear likely to accept.
 
“The Government has to realise that the anger and frustration felt by so many people, not just about what is being proposed but the way in which it has been handled, will not go away. For many people, the march on Saturday marks the beginning of a much longer battle.  The Defence Secretary can and should find a solution that allows for reform of the army but retains the existing regiments.”
 
ENDS