MINISTRY OF DEFENCE JOB CUTS AND PRIVATISATION

Early day motion 1451, tabled 23 January 2006 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 65 members.

That this House expresses its appreciation for the crucial support civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) provide for the armed forces; is concerned that the Department proposes to cut or privatise over 20,000 of these posts equating to one in five civilian jobs; is further concerned that these plans have the potential to make the MoD less accountable to Parliament and that placing the defence industry in the hands of private contractors will weaken the Department's ability to maintain a sensible and integrated approach to its spending of public money; and therefore urges the MoD to call a halt to the job cuts and privatisation to ensure existing achievements in delivering first class defence capability in the public sector are maintained and strengthened.

Signatures by party: Labour 45, Liberal Democrat 10, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, Independent 1, Respect 1.