Labour pledges to support Ukraine, deal with China and address military housing
The Labour Party has launched its manifesto in Manchester, with no huge surprises being announced by leader Sir Keir Starmer – and no pledge to retain or increase troop numbers.
The Labour leader denied offering a 'Captain Caution' manifesto designed to safeguard Labour's double-digit poll lead with a document offering no new policies.
Sir Keir was also interrupted early into his speech by a protestor, but responded quickly to the disturbance.
"We gave up on being a party of protest five years ago, we want to be a party of power," he said.
"That's not in the script but that is part of the change."
The manifesto document has Sir Keir Starmer on the front cover, with his sleeves rolled up and the word 'change' next to the Labour leader's face.
But what are Labour going to do for the military? Forces News looks at their manifesto to find out.
Nato and nuclear weapons
The Labour Party's manifesto outlined their commitment to Nato, stating they have an "unshakeable commitment to the alliance".
It also said Labour would apply a 'Nato test' to defence programmes to ensure they meet the requirements of the alliance.
The manifesto outlined the party's commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent as "absolute", adding that it is a vital safeguard to both the UK and Nato.
Defence Review and 2.5% GDP pledge
Just like the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, Labour pledged to set out a path to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence.
They said this was in response to growing conventional threats, as well as the "cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns which seek to subvert our democracy".
The party also said they would launch a Strategic Defence Review to "assess the threats we face and the capabilities needed to address them".
Personnel
The Labour Party said the "men and women who serve and risk their lives for this country" are at the heart of the UK's security, but did not address concerns that troop numbers could be cut.
However, the manifesto did outline plans to put the Armed Forces Covenant into law, as well as establish an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to "improve service life".
Veterans also featured in Labour's manifesto, with the party promising to ensure veterans have access to mental health, employment and housing support.
Visa fees for non-UK veterans would also be scrapped, the manifesto said.
UK's defence industry
Labour also said to improve Britain's security, a long-term partnership with the UK's defence industry is needed.
The Labour Party also said they would bring forward a strategy for the military that is aligned with security and economic priorities.
This will, according to the manifesto, ensure a strong defence sector and resilient supply chains, as well as establishing long-term partnerships between business and government.
The Labour Party also said UK business would be prioritised for investment and procurement would be reformed.
They also said the party would "support industry to benefit from export opportunities, in line with a robust arms export regime committed to upholding international law".
Finally, the manifesto said Labour would establish a military strategic headquarters "capable of leading Britain in meeting the increasing threats we face".
Ukraine
The Labour manifesto outlined that the party would remain "steadfast" in its "military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine".
Vladimir Putin would be held to account for his illegal war in Ukraine, with Labour working with allies to seize and repurpose frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine.
Labour's plan also promised to play a leading role in Ukraine's accession to Nato, providing a clear plan for the country to join the alliance.
Aukus and China
The UK would remain fully committed to the Aukus deal under a Labour Government, according to the manifesto, and would ensure it is delivered to its full potential.
The party also said Labour would bring in a long-term plan to manage relations with China.
"We will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must," the manifesto read.
It added that Labour will "always act in [the UK's] interests and defend our sovereignty and our democratic values", as well as supporting Hong Kong.
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