Eastbourne & Willingdon MP Nigel Waterson is backing a Commons motion supporting the role of the Territorial Army. The Conservatives have opposed moves by ministers to suspend most paid training over the next six months to save money. The motion expresses its “continued support for the role of the T.A.” as well as commending their “professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment.”

Nigel commented: “In recent years this country has relied heavily upon the T.A. in carrying out operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Our own local Signals unit has played a vital role in such deployments.”

“It is a massive mistake, as well as disastrous for morale, to cut training; especially for those T.A. members who are facing deployment into harm’s way. I hope the Government will reconsider.”

27 October 2009