The review would look at three areas, Labour has said. First, it would assess new “hybrid threats” such as cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, and attacks on critical underwater infrastructure, and how to prepare Britain to defend against them.
Second, the party said the review would ensure Britain’s armed forces are fit and equipped to fight in war and that the army is the right size to confront any military challenge.
Third, it would aim to bolster homeland protection, considering such capabilities as air defences to stop possible air strikes and the security of undersea cables to protect critical infrastructure from being targeted by hostile actors.
John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, said: “Labour in government will always do and spend what’s required to keep our country safe.
“But the Conservatives have failed defence over the last 14 years. Even Ben Wallace admitted that the Conservatives have ‘hollowed out and underfunded’ our Armed Forces since 2010.
“The Army is now at its smallest size since Napoleon, recruitment targets are missed every year, and morale has fallen to record lows. Our Armed Forces can’t afford another five years of the Conservatives.
“Labour will make Britain better defended, ensuring our UK allies are our strategic strength. With Putin pursuing a decade of Russian aggression, our Strategic Defence Review will reinforce homeland protections, and ensure our UK Forces are designed to deter and, if needed, defeat this growing threat.”
‘Party of national security’
Labour said it will improve the Ministry of Defence’s procurement system, saying the Tories have wasted £15billion on bad procurement since 2010.
The party has also committed to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence but has not said when this will be met, unlike the Tories who have pledged to hit the target by 2030.
Labour has highlighted that – as evidence of how far it has changed – 14 ex-military personnel have been selected to stand as MPs.
They include Al Carns, who was until last week a colonel in the Royal Marines; Louise Jones, an army veteran, who was previously an intelligence officer for the army; and Calvin Bailey, who was a commanding officer in the Royal Air Force.
Speaking about the nuclear deterrent, Sir Keir said: “Labour has changed. No longer the party of protest, Labour is the Party of national security. The excellent former service personnel that are standing as Labour candidates are a testament to that change.
“In the face of increasing threats to national security, actions will speak louder than words. That’s why, alongside our unshakeable commitment to NATO, an incoming Labour government will introduce a ‘triple lock’ commitment on our nuclear deterrent – providing vital protection for the UK and our NATO allies in the years ahead, as well as supporting thousands of high paying jobs across the UK.”
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
