Last week the BBC published an article about the Defence Training Review (DTR). It was entitled '£12bn military academy 'on track'. The article was quite biased and lacking in research. Chris Ames sums it up very well here.
The article doesn’t mention that the project is already delayed and over budget nor the fact that Qinetiq, the equal equity partner along with Sodexho, are themselves experiencing difficulties. See the following articles:
The Cost of Privatisation
Qinetiq Prepares to Tighten Finances
I won’t go into whether or not the 5000 jobs figure is accurate, but that number of ‘new’ jobs won’t be created at the base. The jobs are already held by Civil Servants around the country who will be expected to relocate to Wales or lose their jobs.
Many of the trainers will be unable to relocate to Wales and the loss of these skilled trainers will put Defence Training and front line troops at risk.
In addition to the above there is the question of putting the Defence of the United Kingdom in the hands of private companies that are ultimately out to make a profit for their shareholders. A further risk is that the companies involved may get taken over by a non-British organisation which could generate a conflict of interest between corporate aims and loyalties and national security.
You may also be interested in this article entitled ‘The Ministry and the Media'.
The article doesn’t mention that the project is already delayed and over budget nor the fact that Qinetiq, the equal equity partner along with Sodexho, are themselves experiencing difficulties. See the following articles:
The Cost of Privatisation
Qinetiq Prepares to Tighten Finances
I won’t go into whether or not the 5000 jobs figure is accurate, but that number of ‘new’ jobs won’t be created at the base. The jobs are already held by Civil Servants around the country who will be expected to relocate to Wales or lose their jobs.
Many of the trainers will be unable to relocate to Wales and the loss of these skilled trainers will put Defence Training and front line troops at risk.
In addition to the above there is the question of putting the Defence of the United Kingdom in the hands of private companies that are ultimately out to make a profit for their shareholders. A further risk is that the companies involved may get taken over by a non-British organisation which could generate a conflict of interest between corporate aims and loyalties and national security.
You may also be interested in this article entitled ‘The Ministry and the Media'.
6 comments:
Makes you wonder why we pay a licence fee. PFI, PPP, etc, etc is an absolute fraud.
Should be stopped imediately. It's only done to get costs off the government's balance sheet.
Yes, the hidden truth behind the figures makes one wonder about the government's disingenuity.
There is no way that defence should be in private hands.
TBR - I have been struggling with the immorality of PPP and PFI for a number of years. Biased media articles don't help!
James - Something political is going on!
Welshcakes - I totally agree!
...mischief managed over here:
http://citizensandneighbours.blogspot.com/2009/01/freedom-of-speech_24.html
http://citizensandneighbours.blogspot.com/2009/01/defence-of-realm.html
http://citizensandneighbours.blogspot.com/2009/02/defence-training-review-forty-shillings.html
http://citizensandneighbours.blogspot.com/2009/01/property-rights-and-taxation.html
NNW.
NNW - Great post, thank you :-)
Post a Comment