Discuss - Defence Armed Forces Size - Reduce the size of the armed forces

Do you think our Army, Navy and Air Force should be reduced in size?

Alliance Party Alliance will support a Strategic Defence Review. We believe that the balance of investment in the armed services needs to change to reflect the different challenges of peacekeeping and peacemaking. Source: Alliance Party Westminster Manifesto

Conservative 8 March 2015 - Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said that "there will be no further cuts to our regular armed forces" whilst David Cameron remains the party leader, saying that the prime minister "is passionate about our armed forces. He has always been absolutely clear that he is not prepared to preside over any further cuts to our regular armed forces". Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31788177 Party leader David Cameron has also said that he will increase spending on military equipment by 1% a year in real terms from 2015 - 2020.

DUP "We are very aware of the threats faced by the United Kingdom. Because of our commitment to NATO allies, and to keep our country strong at home and abroad the Government should give a guarantee that defence spending will be maintained at 2% of GDP." - Nigel Dodds, DUP Deputy Leader

Green Party "On inspection, there is little or no threat of direct invasion of the UK by any nation. Commitment to a large standing army, a navy of large warships around our coastline, squadrons of fighter planes and a cripplingly expensive missile defence system is therefore unnecessary." Source: Green Party website

Labour The Labour party does not guarantee that defence spending is kept at 2% of national income, said Ed Balls, but will commit to an immediate strategic defence review if it gains power in the election. Labour's website states, "Using military force only after all peaceful and diplomatic avenues to avert conflict have been exhausted and within international law." Source: Labour Party website

Liberal Democrat Maintain strong and effective armed forces, and set long-term budgets to procure the right equipment at competitive prices. Remain fully engaged in international nuclear disarmament efforts. Source: Liberal Democrat website

Plaid Cymru We also opposed the invasion of Afghanistan from the beginning and we now call for a move towards a situation in the country where Afghans can be safe to develop their own country without external political influence. Plaid Cymru therefore call for a sufficient humanitarian framework following the gradual withdrawal of troops. Source: Plaid Cymru policies

Respect Party In line with our foreign policy, Respect is for the closure of all extra-continental military bases.Respect stands against the idea that it is acceptable to savagely cut public services whilst simultaneously renewing a gigantic but ultimately useless nuclear weapons project. Source: Respect Party website

SNP The Scottish National Party (SNP) is challenging the UK parties to make a commitment against cuts to conventional defence spending, manpower and bases in Scotland. Source: SNP Website

UKIP 23 March 2015 - UKIP have said that the party is committed to spending 2% of the country's GDP on defence. This will be partly funded by cutting the foreign aid budget. Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32015331 UKIP have also sated on their website, "We will resource fully our military assets and personnel." Source: UKIP Website Policy List.

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