In 2010, Labour left a British Army over 100,000 troops strong. Following the Government’s latest announcement, by 2025, the Tories will cut the British Army to just 73,000 troops.

The UK faces a growing and diverse range of threats, and stripping back the British Army will compromise national security.

Government chaos, incompetent leadership and Treasury cuts have left the procurement and delivery of armoured vehicles, vital to the protection of infantry on the ground, in disarray.

The number of Challenger main battle tanks due to be upgraded has been reduced, the Warrior Capability Sustainment programme has been axed, and its replacement, Boxer, is unproven.

The £5.5bn Ajax programme is more than four years late on its in-service date and has been beset by noise and excessive vibration problems. Defence minister Jeremy Quin stated he “cannot 100% promise” the programme’s problems can be resolved.

Fears £5.5 billion Ajax light tank project put on ‘end-of-life watch’ – Evening Standard

While the threats we face are increasing, the Government incompetence is compromising national security, public safety and troop safety, as Ministers’ roll-out plans to leave Britain less protected with fewer troops, fewer ships and fewer planes in the years ahead.