Vernon Coaker MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to comments made by former Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP on army cuts, said:

“Sir Malcolm Rifkind is a respected figure and his words carry significant weight.

"But this out-of-touch Government is ignoring the pleas of former Defence Secretaries, ex-Chiefs of the Defence Staff and serving senior military and Ministry of Defence personnel, all of whom are warning that the nation’s security is being put at risk if these cuts to the regular Army continue without adequate uplift in the Reserves.

"The current Defence Secretary should listen to the growing number of voices supporting Labour’s position, and pause any cuts in Army numbers until it is clear that Reserve recruitment can meet the required target.”