Corbyn: Troops Would Be Deployed Only When There Is Clear Need And Plan

Jeremy Corbyn says British troops wouldn't be deployed abroad under a Labour Government unless there's a clear need, a plan, and it would promote peace.

In a speech in London, the Labour leader said he'd change UK foreign policy to one that "reduces the threat" to the UK.

He said:

"We must be brave enough to admit the war on terror is simply not working."

Mr Corbyn spoke directly to British troops who are now out on the streets of Britain:

"Seeing the army on our own streets today is a stark reminder that the current approach has failed.

"So, I would like to take a moment to speak to our soldiers on the streets of Britain. You are doing your duty as you have done so many times before.

"I want to assure you that, under my leadership, you will only be deployed abroad when there is a clear need and only when there is a plan and you have the resources to do your job to secure an outcome that delivers lasting peace.

"That is my commitment to our armed services."

Jeremy Corbyn also drew links between Britain's involvement in military interventions overseas and terrorism at home.

It comes as he resumes Labour's General Election campaign four days after the Manchester bomb attack.

Mr Corbyn said it is the "responsibility" of governments to minimise the risk of attacks by giving police the funding they need and ensuring their foreign policy does not heighten the threat to the UK.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown said:

"Some political leaders have sought to politicise the events of the week, but now is not the time, and this is not the event, to seek political advantage".

All the major parties are expected to resume national campaigning today, although Prime Minister Theresa May will not be involved as she is in Italy for a summit of the G7 group of industrialised nations.

Mr Corbyn has promised to deliver the funding security agencies and emergency services need and said Labour would adopt a new approach towards countries that act as a seedbed for extremist violence, declaring it is time to recognise the West's "war on terror" is not working.

He added Labour would "change what we do abroad" if it won power.

"Many experts, including professionals in our intelligence and security services, have pointed to the connections between wars our government has supported or fought in other countries and terrorism here at home." 

"We must be brave enough to admit the 'war on terror' is simply not working. We need a smarter way to reduce the threat from countries that nurture terrorists and generate terrorism."

Mr Corbyn also believes reversing Conservative cuts to emergency services and police will form part of Labour's response to terrorism.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has denied that cuts in police numbers contributed to Monday's terror atrocity in Manchester.

She insisted on the BBC's Question Time programme, that the majority of such intelligence came from community leaders operating within the Prevent counter-terrorism programme, rather than from police officers on the street.