In light of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s comments about a need for increased spending on defence earlier this week, City News attended the Honourable Artillery Company’s Open Day at the Finsbury Barracks.
Several regiments were at the event, and displays included gun salutes and battle simulations. There was even a showcase by the British Transport police dogs.
On Show
Mr Alfred Davidson, who retired from the Army in 2014 after 24 years of service, told City News how important these events were in shedding light on the Armed Forces.
He said many people have no idea what the forces involves.
“It lets the general public see where taxpayer’s money goes and how it’s used in the defence of the country”
He added that people always have a negative view of the Armed Forces and the Army “until the moment they are required to go somewhere like Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria. Then it changes”
I also spoke to a Bombardier from 106 (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery deployed to Afghanistan in his first year. Ten years later, he is still proud to be involved.
When I ask him about Mr Hunt’s comments he tells me “I don’t talk about politics”
‘Ineffective as it stands’
A counter-terror analyst at the event questioned the ‘funnelling of money’ into defence and called for a rethink on where the funding is allocated.
“Whilst the protection of our country is safe, I think it’s important to look at current measures of counter-terrorism and why they are ineffective as it stands”
“We need to look at where our troops are deployed and whether that’s been successful or not. It’s not just asking about more money because that could be put into other resources.”
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HeadlineArmy Open Day in Finsbury showcases regiments
Short HeadlineHonourable Artillery Company host Open Day in Finsbury sunshine
StandfirstCity News attended the Honourable Artillery Company's Open Day in the evening sunshine
In light of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s comments about a need for increased spending on defence earlier this week, City News attended the Honourable Artillery Company’s Open Day at the Finsbury Barracks.
Several regiments were at the event, and displays included gun salutes and battle simulations. There was even a showcase by the British Transport police dogs.
On Show
Mr Alfred Davidson, who retired from the Army in 2014 after 24 years of service, told City News how important these events were in shedding light on the Armed Forces.
He said many people have no idea what the forces involves.
“It lets the general public see where taxpayer’s money goes and how it’s used in the defence of the country”
He added that people always have a negative view of the Armed Forces and the Army “until the moment they are required to go somewhere like Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria. Then it changes”
I also spoke to a Bombardier from 106 (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery deployed to Afghanistan in his first year. Ten years later, he is still proud to be involved.
When I ask him about Mr Hunt’s comments he tells me “I don’t talk about politics”
‘Ineffective as it stands’
A counter-terror analyst at the event questioned the ‘funnelling of money’ into defence and called for a rethink on where the funding is allocated.
“Whilst the protection of our country is safe, I think it’s important to look at current measures of counter-terrorism and why they are ineffective as it stands”
“We need to look at where our troops are deployed and whether that’s been successful or not. It’s not just asking about more money because that could be put into other resources.”
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