British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has said further defence cuts could undermine the countryâ„¢s military capability, adding that he wants an Å“adult conversation” with Chancellor George Osborn over the issue.
Osborne announced yesterday that seven government departments have agreed on new spending cuts of up to 10 percent to their budgets for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. The British Chancellor, however, has not yet reached a settlement with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Speaking to the BBC Radio, Hammond said there is now a cross-government review examining saving in his ministry.
The cabinet minister, however, sounded skeptical that he will be able to meet Osborneâ„¢s requests without an impact on the countryâ„¢s military capabilities.
Hammond denied suggestions that he was refusing to implement budget cuts and said any cuts that went beyond “efficiency savings” would be damaging.
Å“Iâ„¢m not a hold-out,” he said.
British Chancellor is looking to find £11.5 billion in savings before making his Spending Review announcement in June. This comes as the curbs on the seven departments could only cover £3.5 billion of the defined target.
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This article originally appeared on: Press TV