Defence cuts hitting frontline troops says MP John Healey

Wentworth & Dearne MP John Healey, who is shadow defence secretary, said the proposed reductions could see 10,000 troops withdrawn from the army.

He pointed to Government figures which show decreases in the armed forces since 2010, with over 40,000 fewer full-time personnel.

Mr Healey said ministers were weakening the foundations of the armed forces and demanded the government halt plans for further decreases in the face of the war in Ukraine.  

He said: “Conservative ministers have cut the British army to its smallest size in 300 years, with frontline troops bearing the brunt of these cuts.

“Our Armed Forces are essential to our national security and resilience.

“With growing Russian aggression, the Government is pushing ahead with further cuts to the Army by 10,000 troops over the next three years.

“Ministers must halt these cuts now.”

The statistics revealed how only 640 people were recruited into the British Army from Yorkshire in the last year — a fall from 890 in 2021.

Full-time trained army strength has fallen from over 100,000 in 2010 to 77,190 in 2022 — and it is expected to fall to 73,000 by 2025.

The Ministry of Defence said it would continue to support armed forces personnel in ongoing conflicts with strategies on hand to cope with emerging threats.

A spokesperson said: “We are delivering our vision to support and equip our Armed Forces, including the need to invest for the long term in vital capabilities such as future fighter jets, nuclear submarines and more advanced tanks.

“This is bolstered by the £24 billion settlement over four years.

“We are proud of our personnel and the work they do across the world, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan and our ongoing support for Ukraine.

“We are acutely aware that our nation’s resilience is crucial and we will continue to adapt our strategy and response to meet emerging threats and challenges.”