As well as scrutinising closely the government’s rushed defence review it is essential that we look ahead to Labour’s priorities in the 2015 strategic defence and security review.

We can learn the lessons from the government’s flawed approach, where defence strategy was led by financial planning. As a result their plans are unwise – we have aircraft carriers without aircraft for a decade; uncosted – there is a £10bn gap between planning assumptions and the financial settlement; and unfair – cutting armed forces’ and widows’ pensions permanently means an ever-growing hit long after the deficit has been paid off.  The review has been exposed by world events. The Arab Spring has changed the security landscape and the UK is now involved in events ministers did not foresee using resources ministers planned to scrap.

By contrast, Labour’s priority is to see a strong, high-tech armed forces equipped for the challenges of the 21st century, with an ability to tackle emerging, interconnected threats from terrorism to nuclear proliferation to cybersecurity.  Our review will be based around six priorities.

First, Labour will modernise the equipment programme.  We will aim to regenerate some of the key capabilities lost as a result of the SDSR. Carrier strike, anti-submarine warfare and improved ISTAR remain vital for a modern military power and we are committed to ensuring the UK is in possession of these. 

Second, our national security will depend on deeper partnerships with allies, over intelligence and military capabilities.  Risks are increasingly shared and interconnected and therefore the solutions must be too.  Labour will seek a new multilateralism in defence based on new partnerships, both with the US and European allies, integrating and pooling resources to maximise our ability to project force and do so cost-effectively, supporting the frontline and the bottom line.  The UK-France treaty is a model which I believe can lay the foundations for a landscape of European cooperation based on distinct, sometimes regional, cooperations.

Third, there is a critical new threat to global security that has been proven through events in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya: the oppression of people.  In response Labour will seek better co-ordination of defence and development, aiming to tackle oppression through democratic reform, developing infrastructure and effective governance.

Fourth, Labour will prioritise protection and support for our forces, their families and veterans.  That work began with our successful campaign with the Royal British Legion to enshrine the Military Covenant in law. Going forward our priorities will be to create a fair system of financial reward, ensure that the right balance of welfare and support is available at the right times, tackle homelessness, seek simpler ways for serving personnel to cast their votes at election times and work with spouses to improve support and advice.

Fifth, it is essential our services get the right equipment to match their needs in a timely manner with best value.  Labour will instigate radical procurement reform, making financial and programme planning more effective and better aligning procurement and UK industrial, science and technology policies. 

Finally, Labour will remain committed to the  minimum possible independent nuclear deterrent and will fight for multilateral disarmament, working for a world free of nuclear weapons.

This outline will guide Labour’s policymaking and ensure our forces and our defence posture enable Britain to defend and promote our interests at home and abroad.

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Jim Murphy MP is shadow secretary of state for defence

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Photo: Steve Punter