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Defence is a key example of the chasm between Conservative myth and reality.

The Tories pose as champions of our armed forces but actually impose dangerous cuts that Labour would tremble to authorise.

Reducing the Army to its weakest level since the Crimean War is an act of military vandalism that strips Theresa May’s party of the right to criticise Labour or any other ­opponent’s defence spending plans.

From scrapping maritime patrol craft to sinking Royal Navy vessels, Tory cuts erode fighting capability and morale. Labour’s manifesto will back new Trident submarines – so the Tories lie when they pretend otherwise.

(Image: PA)

Most worrying of all is another round of cuts should May and her spin doctors con their way back into office with a thumping majority that allows them to do whatever takes their whim.

May dodges debates because she is nervous about defending a poor Tory record – and that includes defending indefensible defence cuts.