Britain's Navy minister fired over cutback issue

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher fired Navy Minister Keith Speed, who challenged the government's policy on defense spending. Mr. Speed had publicly complained that downgrading the Navy would damage Britain's interests and ignore "the security facts of life as members of NATO."

In the past few days there have been prss forecasts that as a result of cuts in defense spending, the Navy might lose half its frigates and destroyers and that the Royal Marines, a crack amphibious force, could be disbanded. After press reports about proposed cuts, Mrs. Thatcher was said to be angry at what she saw as the defense establishments conducting its battle in pub lic to win support before decisions on the program were made

You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Britain's Navy minister fired over cutback issue
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1981/0520/052026.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us