The
UNP have asked the
DDS to reduce their spending by 5% as the moribund economies of many UNP members is causing them to struggle to afford the billions given annually to the DDS. A 5% reduction would mean ship building programmes would have to be cut and operations reduced. The UNP are also saying the DDS should try and increase the amount of their budget funded by non-UNP sources, currently this is at 3%. This could allow the burden to be further reduced the UNP say.
Deputy Commander
Firefly (above) has held meetings with the UNP this week and has told them that a budget reduction is simply not acceptable. The serious strategic situation needs continual and sustained heavy investment in the fleet and other arms of the DDS. The UNP are digging in their heels though so expect a lot of talks to come.
