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15/12/2009
MoD Chopper Spending Threatens Jobs
A new fleet of Chinook helicopters could be funded by job cuts at the Ministry of Defence, according to reports.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said the government would purchase 22 new choppers to support the UK military mission in Afghanistan.
The first of these helicopters could be sent to the war torn region by 2012.
However, it is believed at least one British RAF base will be closed to shore up departmental funds.
The closure of RAF Cottesmore in Rutland could lead to thousands of job losses.
Former Defence Secretary Malcolm Rifkind described the decision as "dangerous".
RAF Cottesmore is now expected to be phased out earlier than planned.
Harriers at the base will be transferred to RAF Wittering.
The government has continued to come under criticism regarding the supply of helicopters to front-line troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Ten of the new Boeing-produced Chinooks will be built before 2012.
The UK armed forces' Chinook helicopter fleet will increase in size from 48 to 70.
Mr Ainsworth said: "Helicopter capability has already doubled in the last three years and this future strategy builds on this, ensuring that our armed forces have the very best resources at their disposal."
Former Tory Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind said he was "disturbed" by the shift in funding.
"That is deeply dangerous, never happened in the past and has the most ominous implications for the integrity of our armed forces," he said.
(PR/KMcA)
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said the government would purchase 22 new choppers to support the UK military mission in Afghanistan.
The first of these helicopters could be sent to the war torn region by 2012.
However, it is believed at least one British RAF base will be closed to shore up departmental funds.
The closure of RAF Cottesmore in Rutland could lead to thousands of job losses.
Former Defence Secretary Malcolm Rifkind described the decision as "dangerous".
RAF Cottesmore is now expected to be phased out earlier than planned.
Harriers at the base will be transferred to RAF Wittering.
The government has continued to come under criticism regarding the supply of helicopters to front-line troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Ten of the new Boeing-produced Chinooks will be built before 2012.
The UK armed forces' Chinook helicopter fleet will increase in size from 48 to 70.
Mr Ainsworth said: "Helicopter capability has already doubled in the last three years and this future strategy builds on this, ensuring that our armed forces have the very best resources at their disposal."
Former Tory Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind said he was "disturbed" by the shift in funding.
"That is deeply dangerous, never happened in the past and has the most ominous implications for the integrity of our armed forces," he said.
(PR/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
