MacKay and Fox Meeting at Whitehall

[Kirkhill]

British and Canadian Defence Ministers meet in London

A Defence Policy and Business news article

23 Aug 11


Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox welcomed the Canadian Defence Minister, the Honourable Peter MacKay, to London yesterday with a ceremonial guard formed by members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Dr Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for Defence (left), greets Peter MacKay, the Canadian Minister of National Defence, outside the MOD's Main Building in London

[Picture: Harland Quarrington, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]


Defence Reform, Libya, Afghanistan and NATO were among the main topics discussed and both Defence Ministers agreed on the importance of the enduring bilateral relationship between their two countries.

Dr Fox said:


"The United Kingdom and Canada, in addition to being close partners in NATO, have a strong relationship deeply rooted in our shared history. With their significant contribution to operations in Afghanistan and Libya the Canadian Armed Forces have set a fine example for other NATO members to follow."

The Canadian combat mission in Afghanistan came to an end in July this year; they remain engaged as an ISAF partner in the transition process through their Afghan National Security Forces training programme.

Canada is also a key ally in NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR (the Libya mission) of which a Canadian, Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard, is the current commander.

Canada, like the UK, is working through a Defence Reform process that aims to makes its Armed Forces more efficient and more deployable.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Fox said:

"Both our nations are facing economic constraints and I welcome Canada's engagement in their own Defence Reform effort, aimed at delivering a more efficient and deployable Armed Forces. The task before us now is to build on our friendship so together we can face the challenges of the future."

Link

Resource sharing?

 

[Infanteer]

Maybe Fox wants Canada to lend the UK a few Scottish Regiments....

 

[cupper]

Maybe Mackay is looking for a refund on the Subs.

 

[Kirkhill]

Maybe Fox wants Canada to lend the UK a few Scottish Regiments....

Cheeky bugger... ;D

 

[The Bread Guy]

So far, nothing on the DND/CF web page....

 

[Danjanou]

Maybe Mackay is looking for a refund on the Subs.

Maybe Fox wants Canada to lend the UK a few Scottish Regiments....

Both? transplanted jocks for more subs or ships?  ;D

 

[cupper]

Maybe he is there to explain that even though we have returned to the use of the royal designators for the Air Force and Navy, we are still not a part of the British Military? iper:

 

[Journeyman]

....even though we have returned to the use of the royal designators for the Air Force and Navy, we are still not a part of the British Military?

Or perhaps the "Royal" re-designation was in the hope that they may pay part of the bill.

As for the submarines......anyone who's ridden a British bike (Norton, Triumph, BSA) knows the joys of Lucas Electrics. Expecting British electrics to work in a damp environment....oh say, like on a submarine.....is a poster child for "Buyer Beware."




    <---- so no one gets too serious

 

[rmc_wannabe]

I think he might anticipate the downfall of NATO coming soon, and wants to make sure we still maintain friendships with those in high places when the chips fall.

Or he is just asking if the Brits have anything we can buy at fire sale prices  ;D

 

[AJFitzpatrick]

Or perhaps the "Royal" re-designation was in the hope that they may pay part of the bill.

As for the submarines......anyone who's riden a British bike (Norton, Triumph, BSA) knows the joys of Lucas Electrics. Expecting British electrics to work in a damp environment....oh say, like on a submarine.....is a poster child for "Buyer Beware."




    <---- so no one gets too serious

What are the British Isles but a damp environment? I guess they don't work there either ?

 

[Kirkhill]

What are the British Isles but a damp environment? I guess they don't work there either ?

I verify: They don't work there either. 

That's why hand-cranked engines lasted into the 60s there.  The starters were unreliable. 

 

[Journeyman]

What are the British Isles but a damp environment? I guess they don't work there either ?

I verify: They don't work there either

:nod:

 

[Fishbone Jones]

As for the submarines......anyone who's ridden a British bike (Norton, Triumph, BSA) knows the joys of Lucas Electrics. Expecting British electrics to work in a damp environment....oh say, like on a submarine.....is a poster child for "Buyer Beware."




    <---- so no one gets too serious

Ah, Lucas, Prince of Darkness. I've rebuilt a number of British bikes. The trick is to strip out the wiring harness and replace it with a five wire setup and a Japanese zener diode.

What are the British Isles but a damp environment? I guess they don't work there either ?

Which make it even stranger, that when they immigrate here, most move to another wet (Vancouver) Island. ;D

 

[Kirkhill]

.......
Which make it even stranger, that when they immigrate here, most move to another wet (Vancouver) Island. ;D

And then there are those of us that are given to opportunity to "dry out" and strip away the "rust" and discover the benefits of the "dry cold" of the prairies.  We can only pity our moss-covered compatriots.

 

[Pusser]

Maybe Fox wants Canada to lend the UK a few Scottish Regiments....

Or a place to store some of his ... iper: