The Scotsman cartoon: Reservists

AN attempt by Tory rebels to give Parliament the power to scrutinise plans to replace regular Army soldiers with reservists has failed.

An amendment tabled by Tory rebel John Baron, which would have delayed plans to expand the reserve force in place of full-time soldiers until it had been approved by MPs and peers, was defeated by 306 votes to 252, with a Government majority of 54.

Under the proposals put forward by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, the number of Army reserves will be increased to 30,000 while the regular force will be cut by 20,000 within seven years.

Illustration by Iain Green

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