RETENTION OF THE REGIMENTAL SYSTEM IN BRITAIN'S TEETH ARMS

EDM number 849 in 1990-91, proposed by Ray Powell on 16/05/1991.

That this House, conscious of the fact that the loyalty, steadfastness and battle efficiency, engendered in British teeth arms soldiers by the family spirit of the regimental system has served the country in a decisive manner in times of grave national threat over some three centuries, recognises that the adoption of a corps of infantry has had serious detrimental effects upon the battlefield morale of other armies; notes that, whilst performing their tasks magnificently, the teeth arms were never put fully to test under fire in the Gulf War; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government not to consider replacing the regimental system, or even eroding it by a policy of trickle posting, until a comprehensive defence review covering roles, structure and training establishments shows that it can either be adapted or replaced by a system that will prove better, not merely in times of peace, but in war.

This motion has been signed by a total of 38 MPs.