John Healey responds to announcement of 350 British troops being deployed to Poland

John Healey MP, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the Government’s announcement that a further 350 British troops will be deployed to Poland, said:

“Our armed forces will do this job in Poland with total professionalism, and we support the Government’s steps to strengthen our allies in coordination with NATO.

“Deterrence and diplomacy must be used to help avoid conflict or miscalculation but UK leadership has been missing from the top-level diplomacy required. The Prime Minister has been preoccupied by protecting himself rather than protecting our national security.

“With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, ministers must halt their plans to cut the Army by another 10,000 troops in the next three years.”