Why Labour?

Labour will never compromise when it comes to the safety and security of the British people, Our  commitment to supporting our forces in Afghanistan, and to Defence is clear.  Our number one priority will always be protecting Britain’s national security – that is why Afghanistan will remain our priority

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, we have a global responsibility to help reduce international conflict, combat international terrorism and weapons proliferation, and contribute to peacekeeping and peacemaking operations. In an increasingly interdependent and uncertain world, Labour will continue to work through our strong partnerships and alliances to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st century.  NATO remains the cornerstone of Britain’s defence and security policy, and we are leading efforts to enhance Europe’s military capabilities for humanitarian and crisis management operations where NATO as a whole is not engaged. Tackling threats to our security from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction are vital parts of a strategy to protect British citizens and to help build a fairer, more prosperous world for all.

Key achievements

• With Labour, Britain’s Armed Forces have been modernised and used as a force for good in the world. Alongside intensive diplomatic and humanitarian work, our armed forces have conducted major operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan
• With Labour the core defence budget has had the longest period of sustained real growth since the 1980s – it is now £35.4 billion, over 10% more in real terms than in 1997 – more than £500 for every man woman and child in Britain. In addition, we have spent £14 billion on operations over and above the core budget.
• The individual soldier is better equipped than ever, and is supported by the hugely impressive Apache attack helicopter. Labour has brought into service over 170 new helicopters in total, as well as 6 new large transport aircraft and 63 fast jets. 31 new major warships have been brought into service, the first Type 45 destroyer will enter service later this year and work on the two new aircraft carriers is progressing well.
• For operations, we have spent over £1.2 billion on 1,200 new vehicles in the past 3 years including 280 Mastiff which offer world-leading protection against mines and roadside bombs. Since November 2006, the number of UK military airframes available to commanders in Afghanistan has nearly doubled, and the number of helicopter hours – which is what commanders use to plan – has more than doubled, rising by 137%.
• Labour published the first cross-government strategy on the welfare of Armed Forces Personnel including: doubling compensation payments for the most serious injuries, better access to housing schemes; free access to further education; and more telephone and internet access for those in Afghanistan. We also introduced the first ever British Armed Forces and Veterans Day to honour the achievements of our Armed Forces – both past and present.
• Labour was at the forefront of efforts to agree a new international convention banning all cluster munitions and made Britain one of the first countries to ratify the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. These major achievements build on the Labour Government’s leadership on landmines, the Arms Trade Treaty and nuclear disarmament.

A future fair for all:

• We will carry out a Strategic Defence Review in the next Parliament to ensure we retain strong, balanced Armed Forces fully prepared for future threats and challenges to Britain's security. This will involve a detailed examination of a range of issues including: the lessons learned from our recent operations; the changing character of conflict and the requirements on and aspirations of our Armed Forces.
• Within that review Labour is committed to a strong, hi-tech Army; a Navy based around the aircraft carriers on which steel is already being cut; and an Air Force based around two state of the art fighter fleets
• We will do everything we can to support our Armed Forces in Afghanistan and ensure they have all the equipment and support they need. We will spend over £5 billion to April next year – around half a million per year per soldier serving in Afghanistan and will ensure  not a penny will be cut from the Defence Budget in 2010/11 – in fact the budget will rise above inflation.
• In order to protect our national security Labour will replace the current Vanguard class submarines and Trident missile system. Trident will not be included in Labour’s strategic Defence Review.
• To help end conflicts around the world we will continue to lead the campaign for an International Arms Trade Treaty and work for international stability by encouraging and promote economic and political change in the Middle East.