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Lord Guthrie: Navy don't need aircraft carriers
A former Chief of the Defence Staff has come under fire for suggesting the government should axe its aircraft carrier programme.
Lord Guthrie, who held the post between 1997 and 2001 and was previously head of the army, called for a 'ruthless' prioritisation of defence spending.
He said future battles were more likely to be at land than at sea, and argued that the army, rather than the Royal Navy or RAF, should become the focus of future spending.
He dismissed the government's plans for two new carriers, which are being partly built in Portsmouth, securing hundreds of jobs.
He told BBC radio's Today programme: 'We can't just go for things which are nice to have.
'We actually need a larger fleet. But one way you won't get a large fleet is if you have aircraft carriers.
'What we need are smaller, faster ships, ships to keep the sea lanes open.'
Lord Guthrie also questioned the proposed 20bn upgrade of the Trident nuclear deterrent, adding 'if we do upgrade it, I'd like to find a cheaper option'.
Lord Guthrie's comments came as all the major political parties pledge to review defence spending if they win the next election.
Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock, who is on the House of Commons defence select committee, attacked Lord Guthrie for his 'unhelpful' comments.
'Lord Guthrie's had his day, and he ought to start reflecting on the current needs of our navy ,' said Mr Hancock.
'It's not his job to decide these matters, it's the job of the current heads of our defence forces.
'We need aircraft carriers not only as an essential part of our defence policy but to aid with deployment of our troops around the globe. He wants to pick a fight with the current government and the prime minister in particular.
'This is not helpful, and I did not hear Lord Guthrie making suggestions like this when he was head of the armed forces. Aircraft carriers are definitely essential to our armed forces.'
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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