Lib Dems and Eurofighter

Allan Knox and the Lib Dems have set out clearly and honestly on how they stand on future defence procurement. They have come to the conclusion that procurement of Tranche 3B of Eurofighter would not be in the best interests of future defence policy.

Neither Tory nor Labour manifestos say what they will do about Tranche 3B. Allan said:"I think they are both being disingenuous with the electorate. Both parties say they will have a defence review in the next parliament which in all probability will conclude that they will not sign up for Tranche 3B.

"Lib Dems are clear about where they want to see future defence projects and will support the continued procurement from BAE for Tranche 3A as well as the Joint Strike fighter and Drones projects.

"Finally, I find it a sad reflection on politics that one of my opponents resorts to scare tactics in one of his leaflets where he says that we will scrap Tranche 3 with the implication that we mean 3A as well as 3B when in our manifesto we clearly set out we would not sign up for 3B

"Scrapping 3A not only would be stupid due to the loss of jobs but would also incur significant penalty costs on the country which would make its scrapping pointless.

"I feel the accusation speaks more abut the desperation of their campaign than any serious discussion of defence issues."