Lord Robertson comments: Govt must publish Defence Investment Plan now

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to Lord Robertson's criticisms of the Government's approach to defence, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson James MacCleary MP said: 

"Lord Robertson’s comments echo what the Liberal Democrats have said for months: a pile of unpublished reports is no substitute for a credible national defence plan.

"In an era of Kremlin aggression, conflict in the Middle East, and a completely unpredictable ally in the White House, the Prime Minister - and the nation - simply cannot afford to wait to rearm. The Government must publish the Defence Investment Plan now and hold cross-party talks to agree the way forward to hitting 3% of GDP on defence spending by 2030.

“Our armed forces also need an immediate cash injection, to begin undoing the damage wrought by the Conservatives. That is why Liberal Democrats are calling for the issuance of Defence Bonds, to raise £20 billion over two years and provide a secure, ring-fenced way to strengthen our sovereign capability and end this inexcusable era of defence stagnation.”

ENDS