On Thursday 14th February Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology visited my workplace, the Defence Support Group (DSG), to hand out campaign medals to workers who have served in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in recognition of the pivotal support they provided to the front line troops.
Ironically Philip Dunne is the Minister that is currently responsible for approving the potential sale of DSG. The sale was announced in October 2010 as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). If it goes ahead it could mean that the people he was presenting medals to will be made redundant in the near future.
Members of staff joined together during their lunch break for an impromptu demonstration on the road outside their workplace. Their message was that selling off DSG to the private sector is the wrong decision. They hope their message would be heard and understood by the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology. Other workers driving past the demonstration on their way to and from work, showed their support by tooting their horns and waving.
Thin edge of the wedge, Cherie. Many jobs to go.
It is also very wrong for the security of our Nation and the safety of our front line troops.