New Tory defence policy - let the French Cabinet decide Naval policy
The disagreement I outlined below between Nicholas Soames and Michael Howard has been resolved in Howard's favour, with the implication that Soames neither listens nor follows Howard's speeches.Indeed you have to feel sorry for Nicholas Soames. Today another Tory has started making defence policy on the hoof. Dr Fox has committed the Conservative party to keeping the Royal Navy larger than the French Navy (same link as above).
"If you look at the wider picture, this Labour Government would leave us with a smaller Navy than France for the first time since the end of the Seven Years War in 1763 - that's a pretty appalling prospect."
Now we've had this debate on this site before. I personally am relaxed about the Royal Navy being smaller than the French Navy, just as I am relaxed about the Royal Navy being smaller than the United States Navy. But I understand many people aren't. Nevertheless does it make sense to base the size of the Royal Navy on what the French government does? And the Conservatives have the cheek to complain about giving away sovereignty!
posted by Matthew @ 10/07/2004 01:22:00 PM
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