Defence

The most recent Strategic Defence Review was carried out on the basis of cost before needs. The Freedom Democrats insist that the Nations defence needs must be a priority over cost.

Recent history has shown us that we never know where the next conflict will be. While our whole defence capability was geared to a war against the USSR we saw unexpected conflicts in The Falklands, Yugoslavia, Kuwait, Iraq and Libya. NATO is currently an organisation without a cause since the ending of the cold war and is looking for any conflict to get involved in to justify its existence. We will remain a member of NATO while it re-assesses its global role but will become an independent member (as France is) so we can control our own forces.

With the increase in the world’s nuclear arsenal particularly unstable third world countries it is all the more necessary to maintain our own nuclear deterrent which will be independent of the US and NATO.

Our Armed Forces are stretched to the limit with tours of duty in conflict areas coming about every 18 months. It is highly unlikely that Britain could defend itself or its dependencies under the current strength. We would not engage our forces in overseas conflicts where British interests are not served.

We will reverse the decisions in the recent defence review to scrap aircraft squadrons (including the Harrier and Nimrod), RAF bases and aircraft carriers and reverse redundancy measures to bring the level of personnel to what is needed and not what we can currently afford. (The finance for this is specified in our economic policy).

Wherever possible, military equipment will be British designed and built.

We would reintroduce the short term 3 year engagement for any young person aged over 18 and unemployed for 12 months or more with the emphasis on trade training. It will be optional and paid at the standard service rate. (There is no guarantee of Job Seekers Allowance being paid if this option is declined).

With a view of retention and reward, service personnel on completion of a 12 year engagement will receive priority status on council housing lists or a preferable mortgage rate. This also applies to personnel medically discharged during conflict.

Those who suffer after they have left the Service e.g. go onto suffer problems such as PTSD will have the FULL support both financially and emotionally of the Government and all means necessary will be put in place to assure their well being and not just forgotten as appears to be happening to ex servicemen and women in today's society.

Suffering does not end with the cessation of battle and these people need to know that we will not abandon them.