Last Sunday I, together with millions of others, took part in Remembrance Day services. In this tribute we not only looked back, but I hope collected our thoughts in relation to the present and future. If the threat to our security existed in the 1930s it surely exists as well today, and all the indications are that it will continue in the future; particularly as those opposed to our democratic way of life continue to build up their forces. The comparison between the growth of German military power in the 1930s and that of the Russians in the 60s and 70s must be clear to all.
I have never had any doubt that our country—and indeed the whole democratic world—faces a threat which is as grave as any we have faced in the past.
I believe it is my responsibility, as Leader of the Opposition, to spell out that threat and to warn the people of this country that, in the face of it continual cuts in the strength of our armed forces can only be described as criminal folly. [end p1]
I have visited our regular forces in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and Germany, and I know just how much effort these cuts are having upon their operational efficiency. I also know that in a time of crisis they will have desperate need of immediate trained reinforcement.
Immediate is the operative word. Gone are the days when the Reserve Army could spend months bringing formations up to battle readiness. Everyone knows that the call will be immediate and timed in hours and days, not months.
Today I have seen the state of readiness, fitness and training of the territorial soldiers of 44 Para Brigade, and I can see that they at least would be ready to answer that call. I have always encouraged “the pursuit of excellence” and I know that our airborne soldiers have the same aim and purpose. At a time when our need is so great, and our forces so stretched, the need for such excellence is self-evident. [end p2]
In particular, there is an urgent need for the Government to make clear that they fully support the two major recommendations contained in the House of Commons (Defence and Overseas) Sub-Committee Report on Reserves and Reinforcements. These recommendations were: firstly, that the Government should throw its full weight behind the annual recruiting drive TAVR, and secondly that the Government should give its full hearted support to the training of members of the TAVR employed in the public sector.
What is needed is a lead from the Government, and I hope we will get it. Every weekend thousands of young people spend their time battling on the football terraces. They are bored and fed up, just looking for trouble. Given the right lead and encouragement I know that many of them would join the Territorials of this Brigade and the many more thousands like them, who have spent not only this, but many other weekends and precious holidays preparing themselves for an emergency, which we hope will never arise. We need a general “call to service” . [end p3]
I would like to thank all the ranks of 44 Parachute Brigade for a memorable day, and to give an assurance that a Conservative Government will give priority to the defence needs of this country. They deserve that priority and they will get it.