Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:29 pm on 8 November 2016.
I share the disappointment and frustration that have been eloquently expressed by the Cabinet Secretary and other Members who have spoken this afternoon. But isn’t this decision one of many that fall to be made as a result of the decision by the UK Government, enthusiastically supported by all other parties in this Assembly, to cut the defence budget and reduce the army to a mere 82,000 serving men and women? And the consequence is bound to be decisions of this kind. Whilst the overseas aid budget is ring-fenced, the defence budget is cut to the bone, so I think all Members, in all other parties, should accept their part in the responsibility for the decision that has been taken.