Letter: Libya prompts a rethink on defence

Now that the French have moved their aircraft carrier into action against Libya and we have launched jets to enforce the "no fly zone" from RAF Leuchars, surely it is time for the government and the Ministry of Defence to realise that we cannot cut our armed forces at this time.

We must make use of HMS Ark Royal and recommission her before it is too late. The Harriers and the RAF bases in Scotland must be saved.

In 1982, just as the Falklands were invaded, the armed forces faced cuts which were abandoned in the nick of time.

We face exactly the same situation now with Libya, Afghanistan and with Buenos Aires organising an anti-British bloc amongst South American countries.

Another example of the pressures our armed forces face was the case of a Russian bomber which was turned away within two or three minutes' flight of Leuchars only a couple of weeks ago.

I am sure that even First Minister Alex Salmond would agree that our security is of much greater importance than the schemes he has hatched to try to buy Scottish votes with all his free handouts. Let him hand the money over to pay for the bases he says he wants to save.

Andrew HN Gray

Craiglea Drive

Edinburgh

Libya and its people are suffering terribly for the actions of its despotic ruler and it looks like it may go on for some time.

Would it not be a good opportunity to invite former prime minister Tony Blair who, after all, happens to be the West's peace envoy for the region, to be dropped by parachute into Libya to speak with the mad colonel.

I am sure the Royal Air Force would be able with some accuracy to drop him on Gaddafi's palace.

There, after warmly hugging each other, maybe a ceasefire and peace could be arranged.

Robert Finlay

Greenmount Drive

Burntisland, Fife