Regiment names a step closer to merger

DEFENCE Secretary Philip Hammond gave a strong indication yesterday that he will cut Scottish army battalions and merge historic regimental names.

In a statement to MPs where he had announced that the Ministry of Defence has balanced its books, Mr Hammond was pressed on the future of the armed forces in Scotland following revelations that the number of battalions north of the Border will be cut. Labour’s shadow defence secretary, Jim Murphy, pressed Mr Hammond over reports that he will get rid of the regimental names altogether.

But Mr Hammond, in a response intended to make it clear historic names will remain, said he was “acutely aware of the importance of regimental structures to the British Army”.

He added: “While I am Secretary of State for Defence the regimental structure will remain.”

Mr Hammond then came under fire from SNP defence spokesman Angus Robertson over the level of spending in Scotland – £2 billion compared to the £3.3bn raised from Scottish taxpayers.

Mr Robertson asked for a commitment that battalions such as the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Royal Scots Guards will be spared the axe. Mr Hammond replied: “We are going to have a smaller army. You can’t have a smaller army without some structural changes.”