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Labour Turns Navy into Expensive Fishing Patrol
Wednesday 23 Jan 2002
Owen Jennings
Press
Releases -- Foreign Affairs & Defence
The Labour Government has continued taking the teeth out of the military with today's announcement on the Navy's future, ACT Defence Spokesman MP Owen Jennings said today.
"Labour has turned our navy into an expensive, lightweight fisheries patrol. Our soldiers will be reduced to chasing fishing vessels around in expensive military water-taxis.
"What good is this costly fisheries patrol going to be in a clash? Helen Clark scrapped the air combat wing, and today her Government abandoned the navy.
"Labour's actions are embarrassing for the nation. Our allies can only feel let down by Helen Clark's irresponsible, isolationist stance.
"The Government has a responsibility to ensure that New Zealanders are secure and safe. This government's actions are irresponsible and place every new Zealander at risk," Mr Jennings said.
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.
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