Keeping our country secure

Keeping our country secure should be the first priority of any government. We must always take defence seriously, and work with our allies to protect all our freedoms.

The Conservatives have run down the Armed Forces to levels lower than they have ever been. We live in an increasingly dangerous world and Liberal Democrats are committed to reversing the planned Conservative Army cuts, increasing the number of regular soldiers in the British Army to over 100,000, and increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in line with our NATO commitments. We oppose unilateral nuclear disarmament and support keeping the United Kingdom nuclear deterrent. We believe the battle of freedom for the whole of Europe is being fought in Ukraine now and we support continuing assistance to the Ukrainians in their  struggle against the Russian invader.

A key part of recruiting and keeping good people in the Armed Forces is decent accommodation. Forces housing has been shamefully neglected for years. Military housing should be required to meet the Decent Homes Standard which is being introduced for other homes. 

Current recruitment arrangements for the Army have been disastrous since they were privatised in 2012. There is a strong case for bringing recruitment back in-house within the Army to make it more efficient and fit for purpose.

Liberal Democrats are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Covenant, to ensure that veterans who have served their country face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. We are also committed to improving the inadequate facilities available for veterans needing mental health support.

The issue of misogyny in the Armed Forces has not been adequately addressed. Liberal Democrats are committed to fully implementing the recommendations of the Atherton Committee on Women in the Armed Forces.