Kevan Jones MP, Labour’s Shadow Armed Forces Minister, speaking after the House of Commons debate in which the Government suffered a blow to its plans to continue cuts to the regular Army while Reserve recruitment is falling far short of its target, said:

“This is an embarrassing blow for David Cameron and his out of touch Government.

"They won’t listen to the concerns of senior figures in the military and the Ministry of Defence, who are warning that the nation’s security is being put at risk if these cuts to the regular Army continue without adequate extra recruitment to the Reserves.

"This motion had support across the House. The Tory Defence Secretary wasn’t there to listen to the debate, but I hope he has heard what was said loudly and clearly by MPs from all parties today.”