SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax has demanded a rethink on Government’s defence cuts.

He spoke against the spending plans during a Commons motion calling for a u-turn on the decision to cut the 2nd Regiment Royal Fusiliers (2RRF).

Mr Drax, who is a former soldier, said: “The priority should be to defend our country and her people.

“Our priorities are wrong.”

“Throwing money at the Soviet-style bureaucracy that some people call the EU and at foreign aid to states that practise genocide is utter madness at a time when we are cutting our armed services.”

He added: “It is clear to me that the defence spending review was carried out by accountants, not according to military logic.”

“Consequently, we now find ourselves making decisions for political expediency.

“As a former soldier, I find that shameful.”

The motion was brought to the Commons by Conservative MP John Baron, a former member of 2RRF. 2RRF has an illustrious heritage, fighting as part of the British Army in campaigns over 300 years.

Together with 400 regimental veterans, Baron had marched down Whitehall, prior to the debate.

Mr Drax spent nine years in the Coldstream Guards before becoming a journalist and then South Dorset MP.

He said: “I am tired of selling out on integrity, honesty and the defence of our country.

“We have to wake up. If we do not, we betray our people.”