military bases

Worth noting that a significant number of military bases are in rural settings… This story tells us:

Britain’s military bases and assets are being left at “unacceptable risk of attack” because of budget cuts, the new Defence Secretary has been warned.

In a letter to Gavin Williamson, the chairman of the Defence Police Federation said that that continued efficiencies could force armed officers to be reduced, despite the rising terror threat.

“I must highlight the deeply concerning, and in many cases deplorable decision making that is leaving many of the UK’s critical military assets and sites at unacceptable risk of attack on our own shores,” Sergeant Eamon Keating  wrote.

“The tragic and cowardly terrorist attacks of the last 12 months have demonstrated not only an appetite and ability for destruction amongst those who threaten our society, but also a willingness to target our most secure locations as in the case of the attack on the Palace of Westminster.

“Yet despite this risk, decisions are being taken by MoD officials…that prioritise the pursuit of financial savings over the threat to our assets.

“It is perhaps only a matter of time before an MoD establishment in the UK faces attack, and the reality is that continued and pernicious reductions in the capacity of the MoD Police leave it ill-equipped and understaffed to deal with such a situation.”

The 2,500-strong Ministry of Defence Police (MoD Police) provide armed security protecting assets such as the Trident nuclear deterrent, munitions sites and new aircraft carriers, as well as contributing to some criminal investigations.