Spy-jet cuts put troops lives at risk

Brittish soldiers on the front line are to be left exposed as the Ministry of Defence axes new spy planes and battlefield intelligence systems to help save £1.5 billion.

A total of five programmes are to be cancelled, cut back or postponed. They range from Nimrod surveillance jets to radio eavesdropping equipment and pilotless drones able to spy on the Taliban and fire missiles at them.

All are seen as vital to replace the ageing systems on which troops in Afghanistan rely for warning of Taliban movements and numbers.

Read more