Labour pledges to set up military strategic HQ within MOD as one of key plans for defence

There should be a rethink on how Britain's Armed Forces are prepared for future global threats, the shadow defence secretary has said, as he pledged to reform the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

John Healey told the Policy Exchange think-tank that if Labour came to power, his party would introduce a new military strategic headquarters within the MOD.

In addition, defence chiefs would see their terms in charge extended from two years to four and Mr Healey also said he wants to improve military procurement.

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In his speech on Wednesday, Mr Healey agreed with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps that the world is moving from a "post-war" to a "pre-war" situation, which he called "deeply sobering".

He warned: "Over the next decade, we face (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and an active alliance of aggression – from autocrats who have contempt for international law and freely squander the lives of their own people.

"There may be a change in government this year but there will no change in Britain's resolve to stand with Ukraine, confront Russian aggression and to pursue Putin for his war crimes," he added.

He has also pointed to problems with defence procurement, including the troubled Ajax programme for a new armoured fighting vehicle, saying military procurement processes have wasted more than £15bn since 2010.

Mr Healey attacked the Government's record on defence and said the current state of the British military sends the wrong messages to potential rivals and enemies.

"What signal does it send to our adversaries when UK Armed Forces have been hollowed out and underfunded over the last 14 years?" he asked.

"When the British Army has been cut to its smallest size since Napoleon.

"When forces recruitment targets have been missed every year for the last 14 years.

"When satisfaction with service life is at record lows."

Mr Healey added: "As part of Labour's plan for defence to fix this, we will establish a full-functioning military strategic headquarters within the Ministry of Defence to restore Britain's military readiness, and a national armaments director to ensure our forces have what they need to fight.

"This will allow the UK to deter threats, defend the country and defeat any attacks."

The strategic headquarters is intended to provide greater strategic oversight within the MOD and increase the authority and accountability of the Chief of the Defence Staff.