Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to Gavin Williamson’s speech at the Royal United Services Institute today, said:

“The UK’s ability to play our role on the international stage has been completely undermined by eight years of Tory defence cuts.

“The Conservatives have slashed the defence budget by over £9bn in real terms since 2010 and they are cutting Armed Forces numbers year after year.

“Instead of simply engaging in yet more sabre-rattling, Gavin Williamson should get to grips with the crisis in defence funding that is happening on his watch.”