Vernon Coaker MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to comments by Robert Gates this morning, said:

“It should worry David Cameron that Britain’s strongest ally has concerns about his Government’s mishandling of defence.

“Philip Hammond’s botched procurement reforms, the mess he’s made of Armed Forces reform and the latest fiasco over the MoD IT system are damaging confidence in Britain’s commitment to defence and our ability to continue to play a significant role in the world.

“It’s clear that there needs to be a rebalancing after withdrawal from Afghanistan and the closure of bases in Germany.

“And no-one is disputing the financial constraints within which the UK military must operate. But the Government must ensure that Britain’s defence capability is maintained.

“Labour will ensure that the next strategic defence and security review in 2015 will be strategy-led and financially responsible.”