I read that the Ministry of Defence intends to cut army manpower to its lowest level since the Crimean war.

Plans to axe three infantry battalions – a total of 1,800 men – are being discussed despite the overstretch caused by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This would see the size of the army drop below 100,000 for the first time since the 1850s.

I suggest to you that this is exactly as the Labour government wants it. They despise our military since it is an expression of the patriotism and loyalty that so offends their perverse left-wing extremism. Before the electorate kicks Labour out of power next June, the scorched earth policy continues and our military is the cross-wires.