PM to review defence cuts
The prime minister is to look again at cuts to be made to the defence budget following operations in Libya, it has been reported.
According to the Daily Telegraph, David Cameron is said to be "actively engaged" in a reassessment of planned reductions in personnel and equipment.
A settlement between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury is said to prevent further reductions in manpower and equipment this year.
It is believed that some of the recommendations set out in the Strategic Defence and Security Review could now be postponed or even reversed.
Instead of making more cash available, it is said to have been achieved by delaying some spending and transferring other elements to the Treasury's special reserve.
A senior defence source said: "The debate is live. The prime minister is very much part of it. There's a lot of objective thinking going on."
However, ministers have insisted the review will not be reopened.
The spokesperson added: "The government sought to tackle a £38bn defence shortfall and an equipment programme that was overcommitted and unsustainable after 13 years without a Strategic Defence Review.
"Implementing difficult SDSR decisions has made significant inroads into the £38bn blackhole. At the same time, we are ensuring operations are fully equipped and resourced.
"As we are proving in Afghanistan and Libya, our armed forces have the capability to project power and influence around the world to protect our national security and uphold our values."
Elsewhere today, chancellor George Osborne attends an emergency meeting of EU finance ministers in Hungary to discuss the terms and size of Portugal's bail-out.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles is due to set out the growth plan to transform empty offices into new homes.
And deputy prime minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg will make five campaign visits in Wales, he will also join pensions minister Steve Webb for a town hall meeting in Bristol.
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