Vernon Coaker MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to General Sir Nick Houghton, Chief of the Defence Staff, warning that cuts in personnel may risk the Armed Forces being insufficiently resourced, said:

“We need to listen carefully to what is being said by the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"Labour has been clear that decisions made about the future configuration of the Armed Forces must be based on what is in the best interests of our country.

"After the procurement fiasco and ongoing concerns about reserve recruitment, the Defence Secretary needs to show leadership and get to grips with the serious issues raised by Sir Nick Houghton.”