Commenting on today’s NAO report on Britain’s Hercules aircraft, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:

"This report is further evidence that our continued presence in Iraq is draining the life from equipment that is desperately needed in Afghanistan.

"Overstretch and the impact of wars on two fronts has taken a heavy toll on the Hercules fleet.

"As Sir Jock Stirrup said this week, the Armed Forces are simply not set up for fighting two enduring operations simultaneously.

"The Hercules are operating in demanding and hostile environments. The older aircraft are operating beyond their original retirement date and are increasingly expensive to keep airworthy.

"With the delays to the replacement A400m aircraft, Britain will face a critical pinch-point in the availability of tactical airlift over the next few years.

"It is essential that the MoD manages this situation as effectively as possible, and that the Government provide the necessary resources to cover the gap."