"I have a great burden on my shoulders" - Luff (From Worcester News)

"I have a great burden on my shoulders" - Luff

2:30am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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A WORCESTERSHIRE MP and Government minister has spoken about life in his new job with cuts looming on the horizon.

Peter Luff, minister for defence equipment, support and technology, said it is difficult dealing with budget pressures and admitted “the burden of responsibility does weigh very heavy on your shoulders”.

However the Mid-Worcestershire MP said he thought there was a “real hunger” in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to make changes.

On the Conservative party’s Blue Blog Mr Luff said: “Every day is different and every day is fascinating. And every day you are reminded of the real importance of the decisions you take.

“Life at the MoD is different from any other department.

“As a minister, you are taking decisions that impact directly on the safety and effectiveness of our armed services and the remarkable work they do protecting our country and our freedom.

“Lives are, quite literally, at stake, and you must never forget that.”

Mr Luff said his visit to Afghanistan in July had been his most memorable moment so far but admitted he is finding it difficult to not get “too deeply involved in too many things”.

He blamed forthcoming cuts on the previous Labour Government which he said let the “budget get out of control”.

“There’s a lot to do - especially, in my role, improving the way we acquire defence equipment to make sure we can live within our budget - but I sense in the MoD a real hunger to make the changes we need to make,” said Mr Luff.