MPs back Staffords campaign

Eight MPs across Staffordshire have written to the Prime Minister over concerns about the axing of the 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, formerly the Staffords.

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy, Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley, Stone MP Bill Cash and South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson are among the names – all Tory MPs – to put their signatures to the penned letter for the attention of David Cameron.

It also calls for retaining of the history of the Staffords and comes after the MOD announced plans to disband the 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment – the former Staffordshire Regiment – earlier this month. The changes are part of the cuts to reduce the Army from 102,000 troops to 82,000 by the end of the decade – the lowest level since the Napoleonic Wars.

The letter reads: "The Battalion has a proud history which can be traced back to its first raising at the King's Head Inn, Lichfield, in 1705.

"We all recognise the difficult financial climate and the constraints that imposes on the Ministry of Defence. We understand that savings must be made. However, we also know that the decision to withdraw 3 Mercian will be distressing for all those currently serving, particularly those that might face redundancy."

Protests will take place in Stafford and Lichfield later this month.