Labour bans senior military officers from First Class
Discussion
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/art...
Times said:
GORDON BROWN has delivered a final humiliation to the armed forces by ordering admirals, generals and air chief marshals to travel second class to help cut costs.
All armed forces personnel must now sit in standard class on trains and planes, whatever their rank, under a new rule that has provoked anger across the political parties.
Denis MacShane, the Labour MP and a former foreign minister, said: “Surely there are limits to how much humiliation we impose on senior officers.”
Major-General Patrick Cordingley, who commanded the 7th Armoured Brigade — the Desert Rats — during the first Gulf war, said there were “very good reasons” to allow first-class travel for senior personnel.
All armed forces personnel must now sit in standard class on trains and planes, whatever their rank, under a new rule that has provoked anger across the political parties.
Denis MacShane, the Labour MP and a former foreign minister, said: “Surely there are limits to how much humiliation we impose on senior officers.”
Major-General Patrick Cordingley, who commanded the 7th Armoured Brigade — the Desert Rats — during the first Gulf war, said there were “very good reasons” to allow first-class travel for senior personnel.
ewenm said:
"Humiliation"?
I'm with you on this. I don't see where the humiliation lies in this case. The tax payer wants the military funding to go to worthwhile things (i.e. equiping our troups), not comfy seats on planes for senior officers. If they want to travel first class they should be given the option of paying to upgrade.The only caveat I would add is that this should apply to all travel within the civil service and government. Taxpayers should not be funding anyone to travel 1st class imho.
Dare2Fail said:
ewenm said:
"Humiliation"?
I'm with you on this. I don't see where the humiliation lies in this case. The tax payer wants the military funding to go to worthwhile things (i.e. equiping our troups), not comfy seats on planes for senior officers. If they want to travel first class they should be given the option of paying to upgrade.The only caveat I would add is that this should apply to all travel within the civil service and government. Taxpayers should not be funding anyone to travel 1st class imho.
Dare2Fail said:
ewenm said:
"Humiliation"?
I'm with you on this. I don't see where the humiliation lies in this case. The tax payer wants the military funding to go to worthwhile things (i.e. equiping our troups), not comfy seats on planes for senior officers. If they want to travel first class they should be given the option of paying to upgrade.jmorgan said:
What is this going to save? In comparison to the bigger picture.
Overall I can't see it saving much. Labour should be focussing on saving money elsewhere first, but in my opinion that doesn't make this decision wrong in itself. It just makes the timing of the announcement look pretty desperate.Dare2Fail said:
jmorgan said:
What is this going to save? In comparison to the bigger picture.
Overall I can't see it saving much. Labour should be focussing on saving money elsewhere first, but in my opinion that doesn't make this decision wrong in itself. It just makes the timing of the announcement look pretty desperate.A military coup is the only way forward 
Nu Laba embarks on an illegal war, sends troops into battle with s
te equipment, insufficient body armour and then lies about it at the Chilcot enquirey.
They then provide Piss poor support for those who are returned home with injuries and then persues a petty and vindictive policy designed purely to demotivate reather than to save any real money.
Nu Laba embarks on an illegal war, sends troops into battle with s
te equipment, insufficient body armour and then lies about it at the Chilcot enquirey.They then provide Piss poor support for those who are returned home with injuries and then persues a petty and vindictive policy designed purely to demotivate reather than to save any real money.
El Gordo is not having that decision in my name! A senior armed forces officer who promises to give up his life for me and serves this country for 20+yrs willing to pay the ultimate price everyday can have a treat in 1st class no problem. I cannot stand politicians who dont respect the members of the armed forces and try to squeeze them out. They all do much more for us than any stupid politician.
bobbylondonuk said:
El Gordo is not having that decision in my name! A senior armed forces officer who promises to give up his life for me and serves this country for 20+yrs willing to pay the ultimate price everyday can have a treat in 1st class no problem. I cannot stand politicians who dont respect the members of the armed forces and try to squeeze them out. They all do much more for us than any stupid politician.
I think it boils down to integrity and conviction and MPs seem to have neither.edited to correct numpty spulling
Edited by odyssey2200 on Sunday 28th March 12:12
odyssey2200 said:
bobbylondonuk said:
El Gordo is not having that decision in my name! A senior armed forces officer who promises to give up his life for me and serves this country for 20+yrs willing to pay the ultimate price everyday can have a treat in 1st class no problem. I cannot stand politicians who dont respect the members of the armed forces and try to squeeze them out. They all do much more for us than any stupid politician.
I think it boils down to intergity and conviction and MPs seem to have neither.Unlike the senior military officers they play petty politics with.
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