Standing up for our Armed Forces

Over recent weeks, the role of our military has been uppermost in my mind and, as we face a possible new Prime Minister, we must not let this increase the risks facing our nation.

Through the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, I spend time engaging with regiments and the wider defence system. On recent visits with the Parachute Regiment and the Gurkhas, and via briefings from senior Military personnel in Westminster, it is clear that the threats we face are real and rapidly evolving. The dangers faced by service personnel were brought home starkly by the recent loss of three members of the Royal Navy in the Devon helicopter crash, and the death of a soldier during a training exercise in Iraq.

Here in Dorset, they military are a key part of our community – with several military bases and many veterans and service families. My own family shares that connection—my husband served in the Royal Navy, and one of my children is an Army Reservist As your MP, I have worked to strengthen the Armed Forces Covenant, improve military housing, and support veterans with compensation and pensions issues.

When the Government published its Strategic Defence Review, I was hopeful it recognised the dedication of our armed forces, the value of our defence industries and the changing nature of conflict. Even without war on our shores, hostile actors can target our energy and food supply, financial systems and national infrastructure.

That is why the failure to deliver the Defence Investment Plan is so concerning. I challenged the Government during debate on the need for urgent action, and the resignations of both the Defence Secretary and the Armed Forces Minister underline the seriousness of this issue.

We know that, after years of pressure on public services, finding additional funding is not straightforward. But the defence of the nation is the first duty of government, and we must be prepared to act. That is why the Liberal Democrats have proposed Defence Bonds, which could raise up to £20 billion from public and private investors. This would provide immediate investment in our armed forces, ensuring they have the equipment and technology needed to meet future threats—not fight the last war.

As well as involving uncrewed ships, drones and automated equipment, future conflicts are likely to look different to those of the past. Our armed forces personnel are likely to see conflict abroad but domestic attacks may see the enemy try to destroy our way of life through non-military means.

The interception of the oil tanker off our Dorset coast by the Royal Marines, the spying on cables across our seabed, the arson attacks against the Prime Minister by criminal proxies and the bribery of a senior Reform UK politician all demonstrate that Russia could attack our infrastructure and use disinformation and fear rather than – or alongside - traditional weapons.

I will continue to speak up for our armed forces, their families, veterans, and the wider defence industry and for the delivery of the Defence Investment Plan in full. Strength remains our greatest deterrent, and I hope that recent events serve as a wake-up call to the Government that this must now be the priority.