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The
Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that there will be 400
redundancies in the Gurkhas; a cut of just over 10%. This is one of a
number of reductions of posts being made across the armed forces.
The
reason given by the Ministry of Defence for the loss of Gurkhas posts is
that because they have continued to both recruit strongly, and now serve
individually up to 22 years instead of the previous limit of 15 years,
that there are currently more men serving than had been planned for.
Nevertheless, I have written to Phillip Hammond the Defence Secretary,
asking him explain why these redundancies are being made at a time when
we seem to need the Gurkhas more than ever and to reaffirm his
commitment to the regiment. In addition I have asked in which locations
in the UK and around the world that the redundancies will take place,
and over what period of time.
Any loss of posts in the armed forces is regrettable, and we will always
have a special concern about any reduction in the number of Gurkhas; we
rightly feel that they are our regiment. During the defence review last
year, I along with other East Kent MPs pressed the case to the Secretary
of State that the Gurkhas are now and must remain of vital importance to
our armed forces. They have fulfilled an unique role in the conflict in
Afghanistan in particular where they have conducted four tours of duty.
This
argument for the Gurkhas has been won, and whilst we may have concerns
about the reduction in numbers being proposed, there is no question that
the regiment will not continue in the service of our country for many
years to come.
On Wednesday this week I met with Alex King, the Deputy Leader of Kent
County Council to discuss the work of an organisation called ‘Funding
Circle’ which provides an alternative funding route for businesses
looking to raise money to support investment. Along with a group of MPs,
I met with Funding Circle before Christmas to discuss their work and how
if might benefit businesses and investors in Kent. The difficult
economic climate still makes raising money to support business growth a
challenge.
Funding Circle works by looking to marry up individuals who would like
to invest directly in a company, and in so doing get a better return
than putting their money in the bank, with organisations who are looking
to borrow. I think this model works particularly well on a local level
where investors already have a good understanding of the market and
economic conditions. There are other organisations that specialise in
this kind of non-bank lending, but you can find about Funding Circle at
their website
www.fundingcircle.com
I was very impressed to read about the success of the Folkestone
Academy, in being assessed as being in the top 1% in the country for the
progress its students make during the course of their time at the
school. This is an excellent achievement, and an amazing turnaround
since it replaced the Channel School, which at the time has some of the
worst results in the country. My congratulations go to the Principal
Sean Heslop, and all of the staff and students at the school.
Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast
News 2012 ©
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