As part of a strategic defence review if the Tories win power, Dr. [Liam] Fox is overseeing preparations for negotiations within Nato to reassign burdens among members.
He wants new member states from eastern and central Europe, particularly Poland, to take over Britain’s commitments in Germany and free British troops to be deployed elsewhere.
A final decision will depend on negotiations with Nato allies, in particular France, and on the Ministry of Defence’s ability to handle the return of so many soldiers for whom there is no accommodation in the UK.
He told The Daily Telegraph maintaining British Forces Germany was “now not necessary for what we need to do as a country”. He added: “If other countries are willing to take up roles in continental defence that leaves Britain and France able to take on expeditionary roles…
Dr Fox, who said he expected to be appointed Defence Secretary by David Cameron if the Tories win power and to serve a full term if possible to provide the military with “stability and continuity”, said Britain faced different threats in a globalised world. (photo: Eddie Mulholland/Telegraph)