Labour not maintaining defence force

Bill English - National Leader

National Leader Bill English says he’s is embarrassed for war veterans that their journey to the El Alamein anniversary was interrupted due to an ailing aircraft.

“The war veterans won’t be comforted by more platitudes from the Peacenik Minister of Defence that all is well in defence.

“For Mark Burton to blame National for the upkeep of the defence force for the last three years is ludicrous. Since the day it came to office Labour has wound down our defence forces, including the air combat force.

“What we have is three incidents of aircraft not being fit to fly in the past two days.

“An Air Force Hercules heading to Bali had to turn back, yesterday the Boeing 727 taking journalists and politicians to the Battle of El Alamein anniversary was grounded in Brisbane due to oil leaks, and another Hercules, and a second Hercules has also been stranded near Brisbane waiting for parts.

“Meanwhile the Prime Minister remains oblivious to the need to maintain our defence force. Perhaps this is because she flies on a commercial airline to commemorations like El Alamein, while she sends war veterans and journalists on ailing defence force aircraft.

“New Zealand’s defence force is in such a poor state that we can even get recruits for the air force despite an expensive advertising campaign.

“The security lapse at the Stout St Defence headquarters in Wellington which holds highly classified information is another indication that all is not well in defence,” Mr English said.

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