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Defence in the World

May I just finish this point? Then, I will certainly give way. If these reductions are to be made, it is obvious that the Navy will have to change the way in which it works. We cannot go on doing what we are doing with less and less to do it with. In the Government’s response to the House of Commons Defence Committee report, ““Future Capabilities””, they stated that"““this year we will be implementing changes to three of our six Standing Tasks””." That will result in further reduction in the provision and support for British interests and overseas territories. In my view, this represents another abdication of our responsibilities. This is a sad day for the Navy.