British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has said further defence cuts could undermine the country\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s military capability, adding that he wants an \u00c5\u201cadult conversation\u201d with Chancellor George Osborn over the issue.\n<\/p>\n
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).\n<\/p>\n
Speaking to the BBC Radio, Hammond said there is now a cross-government review examining saving in his ministry.\n<\/p>\n
The cabinet minister, however, sounded skeptical that he will be able to meet Osborne\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s requests without an impact on the country\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s military capabilities.\n<\/p>\n
Hammond denied suggestions that he was refusing to implement budget cuts and said any cuts that went beyond “efficiency savings” would be damaging.\n<\/p>\n
\u00c5\u201cI\u00e2\u201e\u00a2m not a hold-out,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
British Chancellor is looking to find \u00a311.5 billion in savings before making his Spending Review announcement in June. This comes as the curbs on the seven departments could only cover \u00a33.5 billion of the defined target.\n<\/p>\n
MOS\/MOL\/HE<\/p>\n