Conservatives: Record of failure on defence

EMBARGO: 22:30 Wednesday 12 June

Commenting on the Conservative Party's defence measures announcement, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Richard Foord said:

"Rishi Sunak and this Conservative government have left our country less safe than they found it. They have prioritised soundbites and flashy announcements over taking the action that is needed. They have cut the size of the Army by 10,000 troops, failed to provide safe and clean housing for our service personnel, and neglected our veterans.

"Voters know that the Conservatives have betrayed our armed forces and veterans. The Conservatives should be judged not on their empty manifesto pledges, but on what they have failed to do while in office.

"Liberal Democrats are calling for a fair deal for our veterans and military personnel. We would reverse the Conservative government’s cut of 10,000 troops to the Army. We want to see improvements to military housing and a new commission to ensure that the men and women who serve in our armed forces - as well as our veterans - are no longer taken for granted."

ENDS