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Received wisdom holds that the Tories are stronger than Labour on defence.

But recent evidence casts considerable doubt on that idea.

Under the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition, 20,000 soldiers, 5,000 airmen and 5,000 sailors were axed.

The Forces are gripped by a chronic recruitment crisis; the Army is around 4,000 troops below strength and the official 82,000 manpower target has quietly been abandoned.

(Image: Getty)

Ministers point to the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales, as evidence of Government investment in the military.

(Image: PA)

But don't forget these were ordered in 2008 - under Labour.

Elizabeth took to the seas earlier this year but won't be commissioned until 2020.

She doesn't have any jets yet, and by 2020 Britain will have been without ship-based warplanes for a decade.

We haven't got any maritime patrol aircraft – spy planes to hunt Russian subs.

(Image: REUTERS/David Moir)

Yesterday, Sir Michael Fallon told the Commons Defence Committee of an “extraordinary increase” in Russian sub activity in the North Atlantic – well, there's a surprise, eh?

(Image: PA)

Today, we learn of claims - denied by the MoD – that secret talks have been held on the potential sale of Navy warships, including two assault ships and "a number" of Type 23 frigates.

There are 13 such frigates but only eight like-for-like replacements will be built.

Retired military top brass are dismayed at the ongoing “hollowing out” and, privately, Tory MPs find it increasingly difficult to defend their party on defence; they know its reputation is suffering irreparable damage.

Elsewhere, there is growing anger at a plan in Southend, dubbed Care B'n'B, for homeowners to take in NHS patients for £1,000 a month.

The solution is designed to ease bed-blocking without piling fresh pressure on the creaking social care system.

(Image: Getty)

So that's where we are: recovering patients dumped in spare rooms because there isn't enough space to care for them in hospital or cash to look after them in their own homes.

What a sad, stark example of 21 Century “care”.

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