Tory Rebels To Block Army Restructure Plan

By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent

Tory rebels are preparing to vote against controversial Government plans to axe 20,000 Army jobs and replace them with reservists.

Under the plans the newly named Army Reserve, formerly known as the Territorial Army (TA), would increase in size to 30,000 personnel by 2020.

However, rebel Conservative backbenchers, led by Basildon MP John Baron, will attempt to block the move.

Mr Baron told Sky News the Government's plans need to be "properly scrutinised" to see if they are viable and cost effective.

"There are so many questions that remain unanswered, let's stop for a moment, let's properly scrutinise these plans and if they pass that scrutiny test by Parliament then, fine, they can proceed," he said.

Armed Forces reservists sign up

This week soldiers from 1st Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, were cheered by crowds in Rochdale and Bury as they marched through the towns following their return from a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

They face the possibility of job losses as the Government restructuring proposals involve axing their sister 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and merging the two together.

Captain Rex Anderton told Sky News: "There's a lot of disappointment, but we're a very reactive force, we've learnt to deal with change as it comes, that's one of the good things about the British Army is that we adapt and overcome whatever the decisions are made at a higher level."

Veteran Fusilier Stephen Taylor was watching the troops parade through Bury.

A gunner carrying out a training exercise in Northumberland

He served six years in the regular Army and 10 years in the TA.

He told Sky News he believes reservists cannot replace full-time soldiers.

"When you're a regular you're training every day of your life, seven days a week. When you're in the TA you're allowed to go home," he said.

"Reservists can only do so much. You need the regular Army to train the other people up, but the reservists can only do half the job."

However, among the crowds lining the streets was 18-year-old Army cadet Chris Hall, who believes joining the Army Reserve is an attractive option.

"For me it means I can follow a career other than the Army, I can do pharmaceutical research or go into medicine, and it still means I can be part of the Army ... I can follow a career myself and still serve my country," he said.

Regular and reserve army units prepare for operations in Afghanistan

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Peter Wall, said: "The Army is committed to delivering Army 2020.

"It will provide a coherent, integrated force of regulars and reserves that will deliver the capability the Government requires of us. We are well on our way to implementing this plan.

"To reverse course at this stage would be destabilising and damaging. Increasing and rebuilding the Army Reserve is crucial to delivering the fighting force of the future.

"To do otherwise would leave a gap in our capability and deprive talented young people of an opportunity to benefit from military service."

:: Watch coverage of the debate on Sky News

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