MERGER AND ABOLITION OF INFANTRY REGIMENTS

Early day motion 262, tabled 6 June 2005 by Stewart Hosie (Scottish National Party). Signed by 20 members.

That this House notes with concern the ongoing process to reduce the number of infantry battalions from 40 to 36; recognises that with conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq and military commitments elsewhere the reduction in the number of infantry battalions will lead to overstretching of the infantry; expresses concern that the removal of regimental status will weaken the link with local communities and act as a disincentive to recruitment; and urges the Government to abandon the policy of merging and abolishing regiments.

Signatures by party: Conservative 5, Liberal Democrat 5, DUP 4, Labour 3, Scottish National Party 3.