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Vote 2010: policy guide - defence

By Carl Dinnen

Updated on 06 April 2010

Getting defence policy right will be a devilishly tricky job for the parties this time round, with the escalation of commitments in Afghanistan likely to prompt major review, writes Carl Dinnen.

The situation in Afganistan is likely to prompt a defence review (Getty)

Getting defence policy right is a devilishly tricky job for the parties this time round.

There's a major commitment in Afghanistan and a focus on forces' welfare like never before. And there's a lot less money to go round.

There hasn't been a big review of how the UK defends itself since 1998. There is a debate going on already in defence circles about how much wars like Afghanistan and Iraq tell us about the future of conflict.

L A B O U R

There will be a Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which will look at possible future threats and relationships with allies. It will recommend how dwindling resources should be spent - where the balance lies between fighter planes, aircraft carriers, helicopters and armoured vehicles.

That said, there's been a flurry of announcements on new equipment in the last few weeks, including a new light armoured vehicle and progress on more Chinook helicopters.

The review will also focus on personnel and structures - how to attract and keep the right people is critical as they are the biggest asset in Defence.

Britain's nuclear capability will sit outside the Review as Labour has already committed to  Trident's replacement.
Labour says the SDR doesn't need to include other aspects of National Security because there is already a National security Strategy.

Labour says it is committed to ensuring forces' welfare, and points to recent achievements such as the armed forces compensation scheme, help with home ownership for service families, and the improving military facilities at Selly Oak Hospital.

On Afghanistan, the policy is to get to a place where the Afghans can look after their own security.

C O N S E R V A T I V E

The Tories would hold a Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). This would look not just at the armed forces but beyond what is traditionally thought of as “defence” into how the UK defends against new threats, possibly including cyber warfare, electromagnetic pulse devices and even climate change.

There is also a commitment to hold a Defence Review every four to five years and to set up a National Security Council.

In the shorter term they say they'll cut MOD running costs by 25%.

Again Trident sits outside the review and the Tories support its replacement.

On welfare, the Conservatives are looking at a "through life mental healthcare system" for armed forces personnel. This is significant because mental trauma can take many years to manifest itself. They also want to double (to £4,800) the operational bonus for serving in Afghanistan and to start the clock on leave from Afghanistan at the point personnel arrive in the UK – not when they leave their base.

In addition, they want university scholarships for the children of those killed in action and bursaries for former personnel retraining as teachers.

On Afghanistan, the policy is to get to a place where the Afghans can look after their own security.

L I B E R A L D E M O C R A T

With a subtle shift of emphasis, the Liberal Democrats' review would be a Strategic Security and Defence Review (SSDR). The Lib Dems say the mismatch between resources, capabilities and commitments needs to be addressed. They won't buy the next tranche of Eurofighter planes.

On Trident they're holding their own review under Menzies Campbell. For now they want to extend its life (rather than replace it) and reduce the UK's stockpile of warheads by half.

On welfare the Lib Dems want to codify the "military covenant" for the services, guaranteeing entitlements as well as raising lower-rank and NCO pay in line with equivalent police ranks. They want to speed up and review the way forces housing is refurbished and maintained, and there are plans to expand counselling for those returning from conflict zones, giving them lifelong access.

On Afghanistan, the policy is to get to a place where the Afghans can look after their own security.

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