Privatisation of the UK Defence industry - whatever next? (contractors, maintenance)

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

If anyone reads the economist they may well have noticed an article that talks about Tory plans to privatise the procurement and maintenance section of the military.

This could even be offered to private companies.

This is an utter disgrace and just proves the depths to which the Tories will stoop. Profit above all else!

Unfortunately I don't have a link but I"m sure the article can be dug up from the economist web site.

How low can they go?

[dba07]

I'd be very wary of this. Considering the level of influence the defense industry has on US politics, I'd say keep them out completely.

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

you mean keep the private contractors out of the military??

[Jezer]

The title of the thread is confusing. You appear to be against the privitisation of procurement and maintenance. The UK defence industry is (wholly?) in private hands and is very successful.

I have not read the article but the track record of the MOD procurement department is not one to be proud of. Billions of pounds have been wasted, and servicemen at the front line have been put in more danger by sub-standard or non existent equipment.

Indeed the independent Gray review commissioned by the former Labour government highlighted gross inadequacies in the procurement system, the MOD accepting some of the major points raised.

The MOD has over 100,000 civilian civil servants and they covered themselves in glory by spending over £700 million revamping their offices at a time of cutbacks in the armed forces.

Given these facts it seems that this side of the MOD is due for an overhaul.

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

But isn't the privatisation of the procurement and maintenance section a risky proposition?

I say this because it leaves the underbelly of the defence industry exposed to possible enemy agents and influence.