Davey backs British boots on the ground in Ukraine and calls for troop cut to be reversed

EMBARGO: Immediate Release 

Ed Davey has lent his support to Government plans to send British peacekeeper troops to Ukraine - and called on Starmer to reverse the Conservative 10,000 troop cut to the British Army.

The Liberal Democrats have labelled Starmer’s commitment to deploying British peacekeeping troops in Ukraine “absolutely” the right decision - as Trump and Putin’s approach to negotiating peace in the region without Ukraine’s input continues. 

 Ed Davey pointed to the reduction in the size of the British Army, namely the 10,000 troop cut actioned by the previous Conservative government which “neglected” UK armed forces. 

Liberal Democrats opposed the decision to cut the size of the Army under the Conservative Government, and a commitment to restore the 10,000 troops appeared as part of their fully costed 2024 General Election manifesto. 

Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

“The PM is absolutely right when it comes to the deployment of British troops in Ukraine to uphold any peace deal and deter Putin.

“We’ve been very clear that the UK now needs to lead in Europe. That means ensuring that President Zelensky isn’t bullied into accepting a deal which effectively hands victory to Russia. 

“We must act rapidly to bolster the size of the Army. British forces are among the best in the world but were neglected by the Conservatives under their 10,000 troop cut. Our armed forces must have the capabilities they need to help keep our country and continent secure against Putin.”

ENDS