William Hague admits defence cuts could be 'adjusted'

Defence cuts to planes and ships could be delayed as Britain faces up to unrest in north Africa and the Middle East, Cabinet ministers signalled today.

Foreign Secretary William Hague and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said there could be "adjustments" to the proposed reduction in the military.

But they insisted that the strategic defence and security review was not being reopened and that the "major" decisions - such as retiring aircraft carrier Ark Royal and Sea Harrier jets - would not change.

Spy planes which have been used to track Colonel Gaddafi's forces in Libya could be spared the axe and the scrapping of frigates could also be delayed for months.

Mr Hague said: "Financial adjustments between the MoD and the Treasury are taking place but not a reopening of the major decisions of the defence review." Asked whether there was a rethink of the review, the Foreign Secretary replied: "Broadly no."

Mr Clegg also stopped short of ruling out salvaging some military equipment. "We will make some adjustments along the way but the basic decision which is to make some modest reductions in the defence budget and stick to that - those decisions remain," the Deputy Prime Minister said in Wales.

Mr Hague said the Treasury had been "helpful" to the Ministry of Defence in reaching a deal on a £1 billion black hole in this year's budget. Similar agreements could follow if Defence Secretary Liam Fox can persuade David Cameron that more resources are needed to deal with global flashpoints.

Shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy criticised the Government's handling of the issue, saying it was a "real mess". He added: "This isn't any way to treat defence policy."

Tory MPs and former armed forces chiefs have seized on reports that the Prime Minister is considering a rethink on defence cuts.

Patrick Mercer, Conservative MP for Newark and a former Army officer, said: "It's up to MPs to follow the lead that they have been given and to push hard for a reassessment of what our armed forces need."