Where’s our money Cartlidge? #ToryPPEScandal

*TORY LINKS TO RUSSIA, OLIGARCH DONORS, CHINA & SECURITY LAPSES 2010-2024* Public record on donations, security vetting, and policy - based on Electoral Commission data, Intelligence & Security Committee reports, MI5 notices, and Parliamentary records. ### *1. "DIRTY RUSSIAN MONEY" OLIGARCH DONORS* *The claim*: Tories took donations from Russians/oligarchs with Kremlin links while being soft on Russia pre-2022. 1. _Donations reported_: Electoral Commission records show 9 Russian-born donors gave £2m to Conservative Party 2010-2022. Biggest: Lubov Chernukhin £2.2m, Alexander Temerko £1.3m. Both denied Kremlin links and were UK residents/citizens. 2. _Intelligence Committee "Russia Report" 2020_: ISC report said UK became a "laundromat" for Russian money and govt "did not see" Russian interference in 2016 Brexit referendum as a priority. Found "no evidence" of successful interference, but criticised lack of investigation. 3. _Access_: Chernukhin attended PM/Chancellor dinners. She denied policy influence. No prosecution resulted. 4. _Post-2022 U-turn_: After Ukraine invasion, Tories sanctioned 1,200 Russians and banned donations from Russian nationals 2023. Foreign Influence Registration Scheme introduced 2024. *Critics' argument*: Tories were slow to act on Russian money until war forced it. *Tory defence*: All donations legal, declared, and from UK citizens/residents. No evidence of policy sold. ### *2. BORIS JOHNSON, LORD LEBEDEV & SECURITY CONTROVERSY* *Evgeny Lebedev peerage 2020*: 1. _Nomination_: Johnson nominated Russian-born businessman Lebedev, owner of Evening Standard, for House of Lords in 2020 Resignation Honours. 2. _Security vetting_: Reports 2021-2023 said UK security services raised concerns during vetting over Lebedev’s meetings with Russian officials and his father’s ex-KGB background. Lebedev denies any security risk. 3. _Decision_: Johnson proceeded. Lebedev entered Lords Dec 2020. Johnson told Parliament 2023 he was advised there were "no grounds to prevent" it. *Italy meeting 2018*: 1. _No officials present_: As Foreign Secretary, Johnson attended a party at Lebedev’s Umbria villa in April 2018, 3 days after Salisbury Novichok attack. Went without civil servants, security, or FCO note-takers - against standard protocol. 2. _What was discussed_: Johnson called it "social". Lebedev said no business discussed. No official record exists. 3. _Fallout_: ISC flagged it as poor security practice. No breach of law found. ### *3. SUNAK, MAY, CAMERON & CHINA POLICY* *David Cameron 2010-2016*: Led "Golden Era" with China. 2015 Xi Jinping state visit. Pushed Chinese investment including Hinkley Point nuclear deal. *Theresa May 2016-2019*: Continued "Golden Era" initially. Later hardened stance and blocked parts of Huawei 5G rollout Jan 2020. Never formally labelled China a "systemic threat". *Rishi Sunak 2022-2024*: 2023 Integrated Review refresh upgraded China to "epoch-defining challenge" - strongest language yet. Stopped short of "threat" to keep diplomatic/trade options open. Labour 2024 kept "challenge" language initially. *Christine Lee controversy*: 1. _Who_: UK solicitor, head of British Chinese Project. MI5 public security notice Jan 2022 warned she engaged in "political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party". 2. _Links_: Donated £675k to Labour MP Barry Gardiner 2014-2022. Also linked to Cameron-era "48 Group Club" promoting UK-China trade. Photos exist of Cameron at 48 Group events. No evidence Cameron received donations from Lee. 3. _Aftermath_: Lee’s son lost security clearance. Parliament tightened donation vetting 2022. *Critics' argument*: "Golden Era" avoiding "threat" label left UK exposed to Chinese investment in critical infrastructure. 1. *Russia*: Tories took £2m from Russian-born donors pre-2022. ISC said UK was too lax on "dirty money". Johnson’s Lebedev peerage Italy meeting became symbols of lax security judgment. label

"DIRTY RUSSIAN MONEY" OLIGARCH DONORS* *The claim*: Tories took donations from Russians/oligarchs with Kremlin links while being soft on Russia pre-2022. 1. _Donations reported_: Electoral Commission records show 9 Russian-born donors gave £2m to Conservative Party 2010-2022. Biggest: Lubov Chernukhin £2.2m, Alexander Temerko £1.3m. Both denied Kremlin links and were UK residents/citizens. 2. _Intelligence Committee "Russia Report" 2020_: ISC report said UK became a "laundromat" for Russian money and govt "did not see" Russian interference in 2016 Brexit referendum as a priority. Found "no evidence" of successful interference, but criticised lack of investigation. 3. _Access_: Chernukhin attended PM/Chancellor dinners. She denied policy influence. No prosecution resulted. 4. _Post-2022 U-turn_: After Ukraine invasion, Tories sanctioned 1,200 Russians and banned donations from Russian nationals 2023. Foreign Influence Registration Scheme introduced 2024. *Critics' argument*: Tories were slow to act on Russian money until war forced it. *Tory defence*: All donations legal, declared, and from UK citizens/residents. No evidence of policy sold. *2. BORIS JOHNSON, LORD LEBEDEV & SECURITY CONTROVERSY* *Evgeny Lebedev peerage 2020*: 1. _Nomination_: Johnson nominated Russian-born businessman Lebedev, owner of Evening Standard, for House of Lords in 2020 Resignation Honours. 2. _Security vetting_: Reports 2021-2023 said UK security services raised concerns during vetting over Lebedev’s meetings with Russian officials and his father’s ex-KGB background. Lebedev denies any security risk. 3. _Decision_: Johnson proceeded. Lebedev entered Lords Dec 2020. Johnson told Parliament 2023 he was advised there were "no grounds to prevent" it. *Italy meeting 2018*: 1. _No officials present_: As Foreign Secretary, Johnson attended a party at Lebedev’s Umbria villa in April 2018, 3 days after Salisbury Novichok attack. Went without civil servants, security, or FCO note-takers - against standard protocol. 2. _What was discussed_: Johnson called it "social". Lebedev said no business discussed. No official record exists. 3. _Fallout_: ISC flagged it as poor security practice. No breach of law found. *3. SUNAK, MAY, CAMERON & CHINA POLICY* *David Cameron 2010-2016*: Led "Golden Era" with China. 2015 Xi Jinping state visit. Pushed Chinese investment including Hinkley Point nuclear deal. *Theresa May 2016-2019*: Continued "Golden Era" initially. Later hardened stance and blocked parts of Huawei 5G rollout Jan 2020. Never formally labelled China a "systemic threat". *Rishi Sunak 2022-2024*: 2023 Integrated Review refresh upgraded China to "epoch-defining challenge" - strongest language yet. Stopped short of "threat" to keep diplomatic/trade options open. Labour 2024 kept "challenge" language initially. *Christine Lee controversy*: 1. _Who_: UK solicitor, head of British Chinese Project. MI5 public security notice Jan 2022 warned she engaged in "political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party". 2. _Links_: Donated £675k to Labour MP Barry Gardiner 2014-2022. Also linked to Cameron-era "48 Group Club" promoting UK-China trade. Photos exist of Cameron at 48 Group events. No evidence Cameron received donations from Lee. 3. _Aftermath_: Lee’s son lost security clearance. Parliament tightened donation vetting 2022. *Critics' argument*: "Golden Era" avoiding "threat" label left UK exposed to Chinese investment in critical infrastructure. ### *BOTTOM LINE* 1. *Russia*: Tories took £2m from Russian-born donors pre-2022. ISC said UK was too lax on "dirty money". Johnson’s Lebedev peerage Italy meeting became symbols of lax security judgment. Post-Ukraine, policy U-turned to sanctions donation bans. 2. *China*: May/Cameron pursued trade over security language. Sunak hardened rhetoric but avoided "threat" label. MI5 warning on Christine Lee exposed risks in UK-China networks built during "Golden Era".

*PART 3A: ARMED FORCES PAY, WELFARE & HOUSING 2024-2026 - CONDENSED 6-9* ### _6. NUCLEAR TEST VETERANS_ _Tory record_: £25k payment 2022 but no housing priority or NHS support. Many in poverty. _Labour 2024-2026_: 1. _Medal recognition_: Official medal 2,000 ceremonies from Jan 2025 2. _Housing priority_: Added to “priority need” for social housing May 2025 3. _NHS clinic_: Dedicated health screening at Birmingham QE Hospital 2025 4. _Compensation review_: Independent review launched March 2026 ### _7. ARMED FORCES ON UC_ _Problem_: 4,000 troops on UC 2023 due to low pay rent. _Labour 2024-2026_: 1. _Pay 11%_: 6% 2024 4.5% 2025 cut UC claims by ∼1,000 troops 2. _Childcare_: 30 hrs free childcare extended to forces families Sept 2024 3. _Help to Buy_: 3,000 new apps 2024/25 to escape high rents 4. _Food costs_: Cheaper subsidised food fewer base food banks. ∼3,000 still on UC May 2026. ### _8. NET ZERO BASES_ _Tory record_: No decarbonisation plan. Old boilers diesel. Energy bills hit housing 2022-23. _Labour 2024-2026_: 1. _£1.5bn investment_: Heat pumps, renewables, EVs across bases from 2025 2. _Lower bills_: 10 bases fully electric by 2027. Cuts fuel costs for families on base 3. _Targets_: Net zero estate 2050, net zero ops 2040 ### _9. SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE_ _Tory record_: COVID Ukraine exposed UK reliance on foreign munitions/chips/batteries. No fix. _Labour 2024-2026_: 1. _New programme_: Defence Supply Chain Programme 2025 to fix vulnerabilities 2. _Onshoring_: £2.5bn to expand UK munitions/missile production at Glascoed, Stevenage, Lostock. Less foreign reliance. _Bottom line_: Labour ended Tory pay cuts started housing fixes. UC down but not gone. Commissioner Valour card = forces finally have independent voice real discounts.

*PART 3A: ARMED FORCES PAY, WELFARE & HOUSING 2024-2026* ### _1. ARMED FORCES WAGES_ _Tory record 2010-2024_: 1% pay cap 2010-2017 = real-terms pay cut. Forces had worst housing conditions in decades. 2023 pay rise 5% but inflation was 10% = pay cut again. _Labour record July 2024-2026_: 1. _6% pay rise 2024/25_: Awarded in full Aug 2024. Biggest rise in 20 years. Junior ranks saw up to £2,600 extra per year. 2. _4.5% pay rise 2025/26_: Confirmed April 2026. Combined with 2024 rise = ∼11% over 2 years, above inflation. 3. _X-Factor review_: MoD reviewing the 14% “X-Factor” pay supplement for unique service conditions. Consultation ongoing 2026. _Result_: Ends 14 years of pay erosion. ADFs now earning more than they would have under Tory pay trajectory. ### _2. WELFARE & COST OF LIVING SUPPORT_ _Tory failure_: 4,000 regular troops claiming Universal Credit by 2023. Food banks used at military bases. Accommodation charges rose while pay was capped. _Labour action 2024-2026_: 1. _UC for Forces_: DWP changed rules so service allowances don’t reduce UC as much. Still too many on UC but claims slowed vs Tories. 2. _Subsidised food_: Forces Help to Buy expanded. COBBO “cheapest breakfast in Britain” rolled out to more bases. 3. _Council Tax relief_: Service personnel get 100% relief if accommodation provided. Extended to more reservists 2025. 4. _Forces Help to Buy_: Scheme extended to 2028. 30,000 troops used it to buy homes since 2014. £25k interest-free loans. ### _3. HOMES & ACCOMMODATION_ _Tory record_: “Shameful” state of military housing per 2022 Public Accounts Committee. Mould, damp, leaks, 40-year-old boilers. 1.5m complaints/year. Families living in caravans. _Labour action July 2024-2026_: 1. _£400m housing repair fund_: Announced Oct 2024 to fix 36,000 worst military homes. Targets damp, mould, leaks first. 2. _New accommodation standards_: Contract with Pinnacle/VIVID to meet legal “Decent Homes Standard” by 2027. Breaks monopoly of previous contractor Amey. 3. _Affordable housing for veterans_: 1,200 new homes built near bases by 2026. Priority for service leavers. 4. _Rental charges frozen_: Accommodation charges frozen 2024/25 for lowest ranks. No increase for E1-E3 ranks. ### _4. VALOUR VETERANS DISCOUNT CARD_ _What it is_: Official UK veterans ID card launched by MOD 2019. Contains service number, photo, NI number. _Labour 2024-2026 improvements_: 1. _Auto-issue_: All new leavers get digital physical card automatically from April 2025. Tories made veterans apply manually. 2. _More discounts_: 30,000 businesses now accept it vs 20,000 under Tories. Includes NHS, travel, retail, leisure. 3. _Link to Veterans’ Gateway_: Card now links directly to welfare, housing, mental health support via app. 4. _Free for all veterans_: Still free. Replacement fee waived for over-70s 2025. ### _5. ARMED FORCES COMMISSIONER_ _Tory record_: Promised in 2019 manifesto. No law passed by 2024. Forces complaints handled internally. _Labour delivery 2024-2026_: 1. _Armed Forces Commissioner Act_: Passed Nov 2024. First Commissioner appointed Jan 2025 - Mariam Khan CBE. 2. _Powers_: Can investigate complaints, inspect accommodation, access MoD data, publish annual report to Parliament. Independent from MoD chain of command. 3. _First report due_: Dec 2026. Focus: housing, welfare, retention, bullying. ### _6. NUCLEAR TEST VETERANS HELP & HOUSING_ _Tory record_: 1950s-60s UK nuclear test veterans got £25k ex-gratia payment 2022 but no automatic housing priority or medical support. Many lived in poverty. _Labour action 2024-2026_: 1. _Medal recognition_: Official Nuclear Test Medal awarded to all veterans widows from Jan 2025. 2,000 ceremonies held. 2. _Housing priority_: Veterans of nuclear tests added to “priority need” category for social housing under Homelessness Reduction Act update May 2025.

*PART 3D: YOUNG PEOPLE, TRAINING & THE FUTURE OF THE ARMED FORCES 2024-2026* ### _1. NEW RECRUITS WAGES_ *Tory record 2010-2024*: Recruiting crisis. Army missed target 7 years running. Pay erosion poor housing = 16% drop in applications 2015-2023. *Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _Pay 11%_: 6% 2024 4.5% 2025. Junior rank Private now £27,000 starting £4k bonus. Biggest real-terms rise in 20 years. Ends pay cut cycle. 2. _Recruiting up_: Applications up 18% Aug 2024-Apr 2026 vs last Tory 2 years. RAF Navy hit targets 2025/26. Army still 8% short but gap closing. 3. _Retention bonuses_: "Retention Payment" extended to engineers, cyber, medics. £20k-£30k lump sum for staying 6-10 years. Tories only offered it to pilots. ### _2. TRAINING LEARNING A TRADE_ *Tory failure*: Capita contract delays. 40% of recruits waited 6 months to start training 2022-2023. Skills not transferable. *Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _Capita contract broken up_: MoD ended monopoly Jan 2025. In-house teams now handle 60% of recruiting. Wait time cut to 8 weeks average. 2. _Trade apprenticeships_: Every recruit now on civilian-recognised apprenticeship from day 1. Engineer = Level 3, Cyber = Level 4, Medic = NHS recognised. 15,000 apprenticeships issued 2025. 3. _Transferable qualifications_: New "Military Skills Passport" launched 2026. Maps every military skill to civilian NVQ/City & Guilds. Employers can read it. ### _3. RETENTION - KEEPING EXPERIENCE_ *Problem*: Forces losing trained troops at 8-year point. 30% left before pension point 2023. *Labour action*: 1. _Housing fix = retention_: £400m repair fund targets damp/mould. Exit surveys show housing was #2 reason for leaving after pay. 2. _Flexible service_: "Full/part-time mix" expanded 2025. Troops can reduce hours for 3 years without losing career. 4,000 using it vs 800 under Tories. 3. _Armed Forces Commissioner_: Independent complaints body from Jan 2025. Means bullying/harassment cases investigated outside chain of command. Retention surveys show trust up 22%. ### _4. ARMED FORCES "GREEN" NET ZERO JOBS_ *Tory record*: No green jobs plan. Bases used diesel old boilers. *Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _£1.5bn green estate_: Heat pumps, solar, EVs installed at bases. Creates 3,000 new engineering/maintenance jobs for recruits. 2. _Net zero trades_: New "Green Tech Apprenticeship" for Royal Engineers. Recruits train in solar, battery storage, hydrogen. Civilian qualification guaranteed. 3. _First 10 electric bases by 2027_: Young recruits now trained on EV fleets renewable systems - skills in demand after service. ### _5. INVESTMENT FOR ARMED FORCES YOUNG PEOPLE_ *Work experience trade path Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _Forces Cadet Expansion_: £80m to double Cadet places to 200,000 by 2026. Priority areas: coastal towns ex-mining towns. Gives 12-18 yr olds trade tasters before enlisting. 2. _Pre-Recruit "Step In" programme_: 6-week paid course for 18-24 yr olds. Live on base, learn drill trade basics get fitness/guaranteed interview. 12,000 completed 2025. 70% joined up after. 3. _Skills Bootcamps for Forces_: DWP MoD fund free 12-week courses in cyber, engineering, logistics for young people. If you pass, fast-tracked to recruitment. No experience needed. 4. _Forces Help to Buy for under-25s_: Deposit loan rent freeze for lowest ranks E1-E3. Means young troops can save while training, not live in debt. *BOTTOM LINE*: Tories had a recruiting crisis trainees waiting months. Labour fixed pay sped up training made every job a civilian trade. Added green skills Cadet expansion so young people can try forces work without commitment. Retention still tough but housing Commissioner flexible service are stopping the 8-year exodus. *For young people 16-24*: Armed Forces now = guaranteed apprenticeship civilian qualification £27k start pay housing repairs underway.

*PART 3D: YOUNG PEOPLE, TRAINING & THE FUTURE OF THE ARMED FORCES 2024-2026* ### _1. NEW RECRUITS WAGES_ *Tory record 2010-2024*: Recruiting crisis. Army missed target 7 years running. Pay erosion poor housing = 16% drop in applications 2015-2023. *Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _Pay 11%_: 6% 2024 4.5% 2025. Junior rank Private now £27,000 starting £4k bonus. Biggest real-terms rise in 20 years. Ends pay cut cycle. 2. _Recruiting up_: Applications up 18% Aug 2024-Apr 2026 vs last Tory 2 years. RAF Navy hit targets 2025/26. Army still 8% short but gap closing. 3. _Retention bonuses_: "Retention Payment" extended to engineers, cyber, medics. £20k-£30k lump sum for staying 6-10 years. Tories only offered it to pilots. ### _2. TRAINING LEARNING A TRADE_ *Tory failure*: Capita contract delays. 40% of recruits waited 6 months to start training 2022-2023. Skills not transferable. *Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _Capita contract broken up_: MoD ended monopoly Jan 2025. In-house teams now handle 60% of recruiting. Wait time cut to 8 weeks average. 2. _Trade apprenticeships_: Every recruit now on civilian-recognised apprenticeship from day 1. Engineer = Level 3, Cyber = Level 4, Medic = NHS recognised. 15,000 apprenticeships issued 2025. 3. _Transferable qualifications_: New "Military Skills Passport" launched 2026. Maps every military skill to civilian NVQ/City & Guilds. Employers can read it. ### _3. RETENTION - KEEPING EXPERIENCE_ *Problem*: Forces losing trained troops at 8-year point. 30% left before pension point 2023. *Labour action*: 1. _Housing fix = retention_: £400m repair fund targets damp/mould. Exit surveys show housing was #2 reason for leaving after pay. 2. _Flexible service_: "Full/part-time mix" expanded 2025. Troops can reduce hours for 3 years without losing career. 4,000 using it vs 800 under Tories. 3. _Armed Forces Commissioner_: Independent complaints body from Jan 2025. Means bullying/harassment cases investigated outside chain of command. Retention surveys show trust up 22%. ### _4. ARMED FORCES "GREEN" NET ZERO JOBS_ *Tory record*: No green jobs plan. Bases used diesel old boilers. *Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _£1.5bn green estate_: Heat pumps, solar, EVs installed at bases. Creates 3,000 new engineering/maintenance jobs for recruits. 2. _Net zero trades_: New "Green Tech Apprenticeship" for Royal Engineers. Recruits train in solar, battery storage, hydrogen. Civilian qualification guaranteed. 3. _First 10 electric bases by 2027_: Young recruits now trained on EV fleets renewable systems - skills in demand after service. ### _5. INVESTMENT FOR ARMED FORCES YOUNG PEOPLE_ *Work experience trade path Labour 2024-2026*: 1. _Forces Cadet Expansion_: £80m to double Cadet places to 200,000 by 2026. Priority areas: coastal towns ex-mining towns. Gives 12-18 yr olds trade tasters before enlisting. 2. _Pre-Recruit "Step In" programme_: 6-week paid course for 18-24 yr olds. Live on base, learn drill trade basics get fitness/guaranteed interview. 12,000 completed 2025. 70% joined up after. 3. _Skills Bootcamps for Forces_: DWP MoD fund free 12-week courses in cyber, engineering, logistics for young people. If you pass, fast-tracked to recruitment. No experience needed. 4. _Forces Help to Buy for under-25s_: Deposit loan rent freeze for lowest ranks E1-E3. Means young troops can save while training, not live in debt. *BOTTOM LINE*: Tories had a recruiting crisis trainees waiting months. Labour fixed pay sped up training made every job a civilian trade. Added green skills Cadet expansion so young people can try forces work without commitment. Retention still tough but housing Commissioner flexible service are stopping the 8-year exodus. *For young people 16-24*: Armed Forces now = guaranteed apprenticeship civilian qualification £27k start pay housing repairs underway.

37. *P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fleet* - 9 aircraft now operational at RAF Lossiemouth. Restored UK’s maritime patrol capability lost in 2010. Tracks Russian submarines, protects undersea cables, supports NATO operations. £3bn programme supporting 1000 jobs. 38. *Dreadnought-Class Nuclear Submarines* - 4 new submarines building at BAE Systems Barrow-in-Furness to replace Vanguard class. Maintain continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent through 2060s. £31bn programme, 30,000 jobs across UK supply chain. 39. *Type 26 & Type 31 Frigates* - 8 Type 26 ASW frigates and 5 Type 31 general purpose frigates under construction. First Type 26 “Glasgow” launched 2022. Rebuilding Royal Navy surface fleet with modern ASW and export potential. £8bn investment, 4,000 shipyard jobs. 40. *Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank* - Army upgrading 148 Challenger 2 tanks to Challenger 3 standard. New turret, 120mm smoothbore gun, advanced sensors. Deliveries from 2027. £800m contract with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, securing UK armoured vehicle capability. 41. *Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles* - 623 Boxer 8x8 vehicles on order for British Army. Modular design replaces tracked vehicles. First vehicles delivered 2023. £2.8bn programme, production in Telford supporting 1,300 jobs. 42. *Protector RG Mk1 UAV* - RAF taking delivery of 16 Protector drones to replace Reaper. 40 hour endurance, certifiable for UK airspace. £1bn programme, operational from RAF Waddington from 2024. 43. *E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft* - 3 aircraft ordered to replace Sentry AWACS. Advanced radar and battle management. First delivery 2024. £1.5bn programme, RAF Waddington base sustaining 700 jobs. 44. *Integrated Review 2021 Defence Command Paper* - Shifted focus to Indo-Pacific “tilt”, cyber, space, and technology. Increased defence budget £24bn over 4 years. Created new National Cyber Force and UK Space Command. 45. *AUKUS Partnership* - Trilateral security pact with US and Australia announced 2021. UK sharing nuclear submarine propulsion technology with Australia. Developing hypersonic, cyber, and AI capabilities. Long-term industrial cooperation. 46. *Integrated Procurement Model* - Defence Equipment & Support reforms cutting delays and cost overruns. New “fast track” routes for urgent operational needs. Saved £1.2bn through better contract management since 2020. 47. *UK Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh* - 30-year pipeline of naval orders for UK yards. “National Flagship” and commercial shipbuilding support. Goal: make UK most competitive shipbuilding nation in Europe by 2030. 48. *Defence Innovation Fund* - £1.5bn invested in Dstl, Defence and Security Accelerator, and dual-use tech. Focus on AI, quantum, space, hypersonics. 500 SMEs supported since 2021. 49. *Munitions & Missiles Stockpile Rebuild* - Contracts signed with BAE Systems, MBDA, Thales to increase production of ammunition, artillery shells, and missiles. £2.5bn invested post-Ukraine to restock and expand capacity. New production lines in Glascoed, Stevenage, Lostock. 50. *Future Combat Air System / Tempest* - UK leading GCAP programme with Italy and Japan to develop 6th generation fighter jet for 2035. £2bn UK investment to date. 18,000 jobs across BAE, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo UK. 51. *Defence Export Success* - UK became 2nd largest defence exporter globally 2021-2023. £33bn orders including Type 26 frigates to Australia/Canada, Typhoon jets to Qatar, Boxer to Germany. Supports 55,000 UK export jobs. 52. *Industrial Skills & Apprenticeships* - 20,000 new apprenticeships and graduate places in defence industry since 2020. Defence Skills Taskforce aligning training with future capability needs. BAE, Rolls-Royce, Babcock major recruiters. 53. *Regional Economic Impact* - Defence spending concentrated outside London/SE. Barrow, Glasgow, Portsmouth, Derby, Yeovil, Filton major hubs. £20bn annual GVA from defence manufacturing to UK regions.

*NEW PROTECTIONS FOR ELDERLY VETERANS IN 2026 LEGACY LEGISLATION* After Labour removed the "blanket immunity" from the 2023 Legacy Act, the government introduced 6 key protections for veterans facing Troubles investigations. The most important for older ex-servicemen: *"Protection in Old Age"*. ### *WHAT CHANGED FOR VETERANS 70 * *1. Legal Duty on Health* The new "Legacy Commission" - replacing ICRIR - and coroners must legally take into account the health and wellbeing of elderly witnesses. Medical conditions, dementia, frailty cannot be ignored like in past investigations. *2. Right to Exemption* Commissioners must consider whether it is appropriate for elderly veterans to give evidence at all. If age or health means testimony would cause harm, they can be exempted completely. No more forcing 85-year-olds into witness boxes. *3. No Forced Travel* Presumption in favour of remote evidence. Veterans cannot be forced to travel to Northern Ireland. Evidence can be given by video link from home. Ends decades of elderly troops being told to fly over for inquests. *4. End to Repeat Grilling* The Commission has a statutory duty not to duplicate previous investigations unless there are compelling new reasons. Stops the "IHAT problem" where the same veteran was interviewed multiple times over 20 years for the same incident. ### *THE CONTEXT* Tory 2023 Act gave blanket immunity to soldiers and terrorists alike. Labour repealed that in May 2025 because it was unlawful. This 2026 package replaces immunity with safeguards - no amnesty, but legal protections so elderly veterans aren't hounded in their final years. *For veterans under 70 in good health*: You can still be called to give evidence. *For veterans 70 with health issues*: The Commission must now put your health first. These protections are now written into law - not guidance. Veterans groups fought for this after too many elderly ex-servicemen died before cases were closed.

WILL YOU PLEASE READ AND SHARE!!! *PART 2 OF 3 - WHAT LABOUR HAS DELIVERED IN 2 YEARS* ### _3. DELIVERING NEW KIT BRITISH COMPANIES JOBS SKILLS IN 2 YEARS - MANIFESTO IN ACTION_ _Steel cut, ships launched, factories opened, colleges created, helicopters sustained, supply chains tested:_ _Naval Shipbuilding Frigates - Babcock International_ 1. _Fleet Solid Support ships_: Work started 3 December 2025 on RFA Fleet Solid Support build programme. Steel cutting ceremony at _Appledore shipyard, Devon_. Boost to British shipbuilding after Tory neglect. 2. _Type 31 frigates advancing_: Two of Royal Navy’s powerful new Type 31 frigates reached key milestones. Steel cut for HMS Bulldog and HMS Active ‘rolled out’ at _Rosyth, Scotland_, announced 24 February 2026. Tories left Navy “dangerous low” at 17 escorts. 3. _Bristol apprentices celebrated_: Defence apprentices celebrated for National Apprenticeship Week as defence team visited _Babcock International Bristol_ 13 February 2026 to witness future of defence manufacturing. Labour investing in next generation Tories failed to train. _Drones UK Manufacturing Jobs_ 4. _New drone factory Suffolk_: Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturers open new factory in Suffolk 26 February 2026, creating _up to 500 British jobs_ and boosting economic security. Delivers SDR 2025 focus on uncrewed systems. 5. _£140m drone boost_: UK Defence Innovation launched 15 December 2025, investing over £140 million in drone and counter-drone technology in its first year. Shift from Tory cuts to modern warfare tech. _Helicopters Mission Readiness - Boeing UK/Leonardo UK_ 6. _£900m helicopter sustainment deal_: _1,200 UK jobs_ supported by nearly £900 million defence deal 15 April 2026 to keep military helicopters mission-ready. More than 1,000 jobs secured through new contract to sustain Army Apache RAF Chinook helicopters. Fixes Tory neglect of helicopter maintenance/backlog. _Defence Boats British Jobs - Coastal Supply Chain_ 7. _3,000 vessel support contracts_: Ministry of Defence signed contracts with five suppliers 25 March 2026 to provide support services for fleet of 3,000 smaller vessels used by Royal Navy, Army, RFA MOD Police. _Boost to British jobs and skills_ in coastal communities, fixing Tory neglect. _Defence Innovation Regional Growth_ 8. _£50m South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal_: New £50 million deal announced 13 April 2026 expanding cutting-edge defence research to help defence companies and boost skills in a region that already supports _3,200 defence jobs_. Labour investing outside London/SE after Tory regional neglect. 9. _National Wealth Fund_: £25m into Bristol firm Rowden = _100 new jobs_ building sensing systems for AUKUS submarines. _Technical Skills Higher Education_ 10. _19 Technical Excellence Colleges_: 19 new colleges announced 14 April 2026 to equip young people with high-level technical skills for well-paid, high-skilled defence jobs. Addresses Tory skills gap. 11. _24 universities £80m for 2,500 places_: 24 universities and colleges awarded investment 9 June 2026. £80 million for _2,500 UK student places_ so more young people can land key defence jobs. Funding builds brand new teaching facilities over next decade. _Supply Chain Resilience Warfighting Readiness_ 12. _Major wargame exercise_: UK tested defence supply chains under war conditions 29 April 2026. Five major defence companies war-gaming with MoD to test how UK supply chains hold up under sustained conflict. Findings directly shape defence policy, ensuring Armed Forces have equipment when needed. Addresses Tory supply chain fragility exposed by Ukraine war.

...@jcartlidgemp RUSSIA??? 👇👇👇👇👇

*PART 1 OF 3 - WHAT LABOUR HAS DELIVERED IN 2 YEARS: HIGHEST DEFENCE SPENDING SINCE COLD WAR FIXING TORY PROCUREMENT WASTE BRITISH COMPANIES, BRITISH JOBS* _Labour Government Record July 2024 - June 2026_ Labour has been in government 2 years since July 2024. After inheriting an army smallest since Napoleonic Wars, £2.10 trillion debt, and £17bn equipment black hole from 14 years of Tory cuts, Labour is delivering on its manifesto pledge to “Make Britain Safer” with record defence investment, new kit built by British companies, and fixing MoD procurement waste. ### _1. HIGHEST DEFENCE SPENDING SINCE COLD WAR BRITISH WORKERS FIRST_ _Funding reversed after Tory cuts:_ 1. _Spending commitment_: Labour pledged to reach 2.5% GDP on defence by 2027, then 3% in next parliament. Tories left spending at ∼2.2-2.3% GDP in 2024, below NATO target. 2. _Budget boost_: First budgets 2024-2026 increased day-to-day defence spending after Tories cut £10bn since 2010. Ends the “hollow force” funding model. 3. _£270bn record investment_: Record £270 billion investment in UK defence over this parliament is strengthening supply chains, creating skilled jobs and making defence an engine for growth across the country, announced 29 April 2026. Fixes Tory underinvestment. 4. _Strategic Defence Review 2025_: Launched SDR 2025 to shift spending to uncrewed systems, drones, cyber, and modern warfighting - fixing Tory focus on cuts over capability. 5. _“Unashamedly pro-Britain” contracts_: Government announced greater use of national security exemptions so defence contracts require UK-based sub-contracts or guarantee UK firms aren’t shut out. “If sent overseas, industry must create UK jobs”. ### _2. FIXING TORY PROCUREMENT WASTE POOR CONTRACTS_ _Cleaning up MoD failures 2010-2024:_ 1. _Ajax waste stopped_: Tories spent £5.5bn over 14 years on Ajax vehicles that injured 310 troops and were called “not fit for purpose”. Labour halted wasteful spending, fixed design, and prioritised deliverable kit. 2. _NAO £17bn black hole exposed_: NAO 2023 found £17bn equipment plan shortfall under Tories due to unaffordable plans poor procurement. Labour’s SDR 2025 restructured procurement to deliver value, not vanity projects. 3. _End of asset sales_: Stopped Tories selling off military housing/land to plug budget holes. Focus now on building, not stripping assets.

THOSE CROSSING CHANNEL DO NOT QUALIFY FOR ASYLUM THEY WILL BE DEPORTED *PART 2 OF 3 - LABOUR’S RECORD ON IMMIGRATION 5 JULY 2024 - 2026: WHAT’S CHANGED* ### _5. BOAT CROSSINGS: AUTOMATIC REFUSAL POLICY_ Labour policy change: “Those coming to UK will be refused asylum if they cross Channel in boats” Tory record: Illegal Migration Act 2023 banned asylum claims but had 0 returns agreements with France/EU = 50,000 stuck in hotels, legal limbo, gangs profited. Labour approach: 1. Refuse asylum claims for small boat arrivals 2. Back it with returns agreements sanctions on countries refusing returns 3. Border Security Command with counter-terror style powers July 2024 4. Prosecute pilots: First jail sentences June 2026 CPS - 2-3 years for migrants who piloted boats Result: Breaks smuggler business model. Removes “hotel for years” incentive. Backed by 70,000 removals. ### _6. UK-FRANCE £662M DEAL: 42,000 CROSSINGS STOPPED_ GOV.UK: Joint action between UK and France has stopped more than 42,000 illegal migrants from crossing the English Channel since the 2024 UK general election. £662M landmark border deal signed between UK and France funds: 1. _Detention Centre_: £160m tactical pot for new migrant detention centre in Dunkirk to process and deter people before they reach coast. French riot police deployed. 2. _Sea Interceptions_: French maritime police authorised to intercept “taxi boats” at sea before they pick up passengers. Propeller nets ruled out due to capsize risk. 3. _Drones & Surveillance_: Millions on beach-patrolling drones, thermal imaging cameras, 2 helicopters to track smugglers. 4. _“One-in, One-out” Pilot_: As of late April, 605 people successfully returned to France under this framework. 5. _International cooperation_: Europol, EU, Germany, Iraq helping with gang crackdown. France must return money if targets fail. Impact: Crossings down in 2026 vs 2024-2025 peaks. Moves from Tory “Rwanda PR” to France EU joint enforcement. ### _7. RETURNS AGREEMENTS & SANCTIONS: FIXING TORY DUBLIN GAP_ Tory failure: Left office with no operational returns deal with France or EU. Scrapped Dublin agreements with no replacement returns process. No deals with Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan - top boat nationalities. Result: People who lost asylum had nowhere to be sent = hotel limbo. Labour record: 1. _New returns process built_: Signed new deals post July 2024 for returns of people with no legal right to remain. Replaced Dublin with bilateral agreements. 2. _Sanctions threatened_: Home Office May 2026: “We will continue to... threaten sanctions on countries who refuse to take back their citizens and ramp up removals and deportations.” Tool Tories never used. 3. _Increased returns_: 70,000 removals/deportations since July 2024 = 41% vs Tories. Largest deportation flights in UK history. Increased returns directly linked to sanctions threat new returns process Tories left without. ### _8. SAFE ROUTES FROM FRANCE: BREAKING GANG BUSINESS MODEL_ Tory record: No safe routes. Only Rwanda scheme £700m for 4 voluntary relocations. Gangs kept profiting. Labour record: Starmer March 2025: “People-smuggling gangs should be treated like terrorists”. Hosted international summit to coordinate global action. Policy: Target smugglers with terror-style surveillance/financial tracking, not just gimmicks. Small boat pilots now being prosecuted under new Border Security Act. First pilots arrested and charged for endangering migrants during Channel crossing. Migration Watch data shows 2025 monthly crossings lower than 2024 peaks in some months, with 2026 Jan-May showing decline vs 2025. THOSE PILOTTING BOATS ARE BEING ARRESTED AND JAILED

*PART 2 OF 3 - LABOUR’S RECORD ON IMMIGRATION 5 JULY 2024 - 2026: WHAT’S CHANGED* ### _5. BOAT CROSSINGS: AUTOMATIC REFUSAL POLICY_ Labour policy change: “Those coming to UK will be refused asylum if they cross Channel in boats” Tory record: Illegal Migration Act 2023 banned asylum claims but had 0 returns agreements with France/EU = 50,000 stuck in hotels, legal limbo, gangs profited. Labour approach: 1. Refuse asylum claims for small boat arrivals 2. Back it with returns agreements sanctions on countries refusing returns 3. Border Security Command with counter-terror style powers July 2024 4. Prosecute pilots: First jail sentences June 2026 CPS - 2-3 years for migrants who piloted boats Result: Breaks smuggler business model. Removes “hotel for years” incentive. Backed by 70,000 removals. ### _6. UK-FRANCE £662M DEAL: 42,000 CROSSINGS STOPPED_ GOV.UK: Joint action between UK and France has stopped more than 42,000 illegal migrants from crossing the English Channel since the 2024 UK general election. £662M landmark border deal signed between UK and France funds: 1. _Detention Centre_: £160m tactical pot for new migrant detention centre in Dunkirk to process and deter people before they reach coast. French riot police deployed. 2. _Sea Interceptions_: French maritime police authorised to intercept “taxi boats” at sea before they pick up passengers. Propeller nets ruled out due to capsize risk. 3. _Drones & Surveillance_: Millions on beach-patrolling drones, thermal imaging cameras, 2 helicopters to track smugglers. 4. _“One-in, One-out” Pilot_: As of late April, 605 people successfully returned to France under this framework. 5. _International cooperation_: Europol, EU, Germany, Iraq helping with gang crackdown. France must return money if targets fail. Impact: Crossings down in 2026 vs 2024-2025 peaks. Moves from Tory “Rwanda PR” to France EU joint enforcement. ### _7. RETURNS AGREEMENTS & SANCTIONS: FIXING TORY DUBLIN GAP_ Tory failure: Left office with no operational returns deal with France or EU. Scrapped Dublin agreements with no replacement returns process. No deals with Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan - top boat nationalities. Result: People who lost asylum had nowhere to be sent = hotel limbo. Labour record: 1. _New returns process built_: Signed new deals post July 2024 for returns of people with no legal right to remain. Replaced Dublin with bilateral agreements. 2. _Sanctions threatened_: Home Office May 2026: “We will continue to... threaten sanctions on countries who refuse to take back their citizens and ramp up removals and deportations.” Tool Tories never used. 3. _Increased returns_: 70,000 removals/deportations since July 2024 = 41% vs Tories. Largest deportation flights in UK history. Increased returns directly linked to sanctions threat new returns process Tories left without. ### _8. SAFE ROUTES FROM FRANCE: BREAKING GANG BUSINESS MODEL_ Tory record: No safe routes. Only Rwanda scheme £700m for 4 voluntary relocations. Gangs kept profiting. Labour record: Starmer March 2025: “People-smuggling gangs should be treated like terrorists”. Hosted international summit to coordinate global action. Policy: Target smugglers with terror-style surveillance/financial tracking, not just gimmicks. Small boat pilots now being prosecuted under new Border Security Act. First pilots arrested and charged for endangering migrants during Channel crossing. Migration Watch data shows 2025 monthly crossings lower than 2024 peaks in some months, with 2026 Jan-May showing decline vs 2025.

Stop Der Botes all you care about? Did you complain when @Conservatives lost control of UK borders to People trafficking when UK left the Dublin agreement. Do you actually know what it was ? *PART 1 OF 3 - LABOUR’S RECORD ON IMMIGRATION 5 JULY 2024 - 2026: WHAT’S CHANGED* Labour inherited a broken immigration system on 5 July 2024. Tories left: 224,742 asylum backlog, £8m/day hotel costs, 200 missing children, no EU returns deal, no returns process after scrapping Dublin, Rwanda gimmick. Labour’s approach: “Clear the backlog, cut hotel use, increase removals, secure deals, refuse boat claims, smash gangs with UK-France deal, use sanctions on refusal countries, restore Europol cooperation”. ### _1. ASYLUM BACKLOG & DECISIONS: CLEARING THE QUEUE_ Tories left Labour July 2024: 175,000 asylum backlog. 86,000 awaiting initial decision March 2024. Appeals backlog 80,000 . Labour action: Asylum claims awaiting decision: Chart shows “Awaiting initial decision” peaked over 120,000 in 2023 under Tories. Line drops sharply into 2025. “Receiving initial decisions” line is higher than “Claiming asylum” line by 2025, meaning Labour is processing more claims than new ones coming in. Home Office Oct 2024: “Asylum claims are down, hotel use is falling and immigration enforcement activity is at the highest level on record”. Result: Backlog being reduced by faster processing, not warehousing cases like Tories. ### _2. FOREIGN NATIONAL OFFENDERS: MORE REMOVALS_ Tory record 2016-2023: FNO deportations fell 6,171 → 3,864. Down 37%. 10,260 foreign nationals in prison March 2024. Labour record July 2024 - May 2026: Foreign national offender returns: 14% vs Tories Enforced returns of those with no legal right to remain: 19% vs Tories Home Office @ukhomeoffice 21 May 2026: “Removals and deportations of illegal migrants and foreign criminals have reached nearly 70,000 since July 2024. We will continue to fix our broken appeals system, threaten sanctions on countries who refuse to take back their citizens and ramp up removals and deportations.” “Keir Starmer has organised the three largest deportation flights in UK history” ### _3. FAILED ASYLUM SEEKERS: TRACKING & REMOVALS_ Tory failure: 17,000 lost when claims withdrawn 2023. 5,598 missing contact. No data on those who absconded after leave to remain. Labour approach: Home Office Oct 2024: “Any asylum seekers who break their bail conditions by absconding will be tracked down and arrested.” Enforcement activity at “highest level on record with largest number of raids and arrests ever”. Focus shifted from Tories’ “withdraw claims en masse” to active tracking/removal. ### _4. HOTEL USE: CUTTING THE £8M/DAY BILL -30%_ Tory record: 50,000 asylum seekers in hotels at peak. £8m per day cost to taxpayers. £15.3bn 10-year contracts signed with Serco, Mears, Clearsprings. NAO: value tripled since 2019. Labour record: BBC News 18 July 2025: “UK's asylum hotel bill down 30%, government says” - Rob England BBC Verify Jack Fenwick. Policy: Close hotels, move to cheaper accommodation, accelerate decisions so people don’t stay in system for years. Graph from asylum stats shows “Awaiting initial decision” dropping into 2025 as Labour processes backlog faster than new claims arrive. Reply "next" for Part 2: Boat crossings, UK-France deal, returns agreements

*RUSSIAN SHIPS IN UK WATERS: TORY RECORD 2010-2024* ### *1. NO PUBLISHED TOTALS - TORIES DIDN’T RELEASE YEARLY NUMBERS* The Conservative government 2010-2024 never published an annual total for Russian tankers/warships transiting UK waters. MoD responses to Parliament consistently referred to “routine shadowing” and “monitoring” without giving cumulative figures. ### *2. CONFIRMED TORY-ERA INCURSIONS MONITORING* *Russian Warships Spy Ships:* 1. *Yantar spy ship*: Russian intelligence vessel repeatedly entered UK Exclusive Economic Zone under Tories. Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament Nov 2024: “This is the second time that Yantar has entered our waters in recent months. In November, the ship was also closely watched, and was detected loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure”. Tories deployed HMS Cattistock, HMS Tyne, RAF patrol aircraft to shadow it. 2. *30% increase*: MoD stated UK saw a *30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters in the past 2 years* of Tory rule. 92ac *Russian Tankers / “Shadow Fleet”:* 3. *Innocent passage through Channel*: Hundreds of Russian oil tankers transited UK waters via the English Channel 2010-2024 under “innocent passage” rules. Tories did not authorise boarding. Legal basis for detention only created by Labour in 2026. 4. *No boarding policy*: Under Tories, Royal Navy/RAF tracked and shadowed sanctioned Russian tankers but did not detain them in UK waters. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace 2021 Defence Committee hearings confirmed policy was monitoring, not interception. ### *3. TORIES VS LABOUR - POLICY CHANGE* *Tories 2010-2024*: Track shadow only. No legal framework to board sanctioned Russian tankers. MoD said vessels “complied with international rules of navigation” so could not be stopped. 92ac *Labour 2026*: Created legal basis to board/detain sanctioned “shadow fleet” tankers. First interception: Royal Marine Commandos boarded Russian tanker _Smyrtos_ in English Channel, 6-hr operation. Starmer: “This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia”. 3b48 *Scale 2026*: Reuters tracking shows *∼98 sanctioned Russian vessels transited UK waters each month* after Labour’s boarding threat. 180 tankers made ∼240 journeys April-May 2026 alone. Tory years would be similar or higher with no deterrent. e76b97de ### *4. BOTTOM LINE* *Tories 2010-2024*: Hundreds of Russian tankers warships transited UK waters. Policy = shadow and monitor. No totals published. No boarding of sanctioned vessels. Yantar spy ship loitered over undersea cables Nov 2024 with only shadowing as response. 92ac *Labour 2024-2026*: First to authorise boarding of Russian “shadow fleet” in UK waters. Interdicted _Smyrtos_ tanker. 30% rise in Russian vessel activity acknowledged by MoD. _Sources: Hansard Defence Statements Nov 2024, House of Commons Defence Committee 2021, MoD press releases, Reuters ship tracking 2026_

*PART 1 OF 3 - WHAT LABOUR HAS DELIVERED IN 2 YEARS: HIGHEST DEFENCE SPENDING SINCE COLD WAR FIXING TORY PROCUREMENT WASTE BRITISH COMPANIES, BRITISH JOBS* _Labour Government Record July 2024 - June 2026_ Labour has been in government 2 years since July 2024. After inheriting an army smallest since Napoleonic Wars, £2.10 trillion debt, and £17bn equipment black hole from 14 years of Tory cuts, Labour is delivering on its manifesto pledge to “Make Britain Safer” with record defence investment, new kit built by British companies, and fixing MoD procurement waste. ### _1. HIGHEST DEFENCE SPENDING SINCE COLD WAR BRITISH WORKERS FIRST_ _Funding reversed after Tory cuts:_ 1. _Spending commitment_: Labour pledged to reach 2.5% GDP on defence by 2027, then 3% in next parliament. Tories left spending at ∼2.2-2.3% GDP in 2024, below NATO target. 2. _Budget boost_: First budgets 2024-2026 increased day-to-day defence spending after Tories cut £10bn since 2010. Ends the “hollow force” funding model. 3. _£270bn record investment_: Record £270 billion investment in UK defence over this parliament is strengthening supply chains, creating skilled jobs and making defence an engine for growth across the country, announced 29 April 2026. Fixes Tory underinvestment. 4. _Strategic Defence Review 2025_: Launched SDR 2025 to shift spending to uncrewed systems, drones, cyber, and modern warfighting - fixing Tory focus on cuts over capability. 5. _“Unashamedly pro-Britain” contracts_: Government announced greater use of national security exemptions so defence contracts require UK-based sub-contracts or guarantee UK firms aren’t shut out. “If sent overseas, industry must create UK jobs”. ### _2. FIXING TORY PROCUREMENT WASTE POOR CONTRACTS_ _Cleaning up MoD failures 2010-2024:_ 1. _Ajax waste stopped_: Tories spent £5.5bn over 14 years on Ajax vehicles that injured 310 troops and were called “not fit for purpose”. Labour halted wasteful spending, fixed design, and prioritised deliverable kit. 2. _NAO £17bn black hole exposed_: NAO 2023 found £17bn equipment plan shortfall under Tories due to unaffordable plans poor procurement. Labour’s SDR 2025 restructured procurement to deliver value, not vanity projects. 3. _End of asset sales_: Stopped Tories selling off military housing/land to plug budget holes. Focus now on building, not stripping assets. HOW LONG DOES IT TO TAKE TO BUILD WAR FRIGATES ,FIGHTER JETS TANKS AND SUBMARINES??? *PART 2 OF 3 - WHAT LABOUR HAS DELIVERED IN 2 YEARS* ### _3. DELIVERING NEW KIT BRITISH COMPANIES JOBS SKILLS IN 2 YEARS - MANIFESTO IN ACTION_ _Steel cut, ships launched, factories opened, colleges created, helicopters sustained, supply chains tested:_ _Naval Shipbuilding Frigates - Babcock International_ 1. _Fleet Solid Support ships_: Work started 3 December 2025 on RFA Fleet Solid Support build programme. Steel cutting ceremony at _Appledore shipyard, Devon_. Boost to British shipbuilding after Tory neglect. 2. _Type 31 frigates advancing_: Two of Royal Navy’s powerful new Type 31 frigates reached key milestones. Steel cut for HMS Bulldog and HMS Active ‘rolled out’ at _Rosyth, Scotland_, announced 24 February 2026. Tories left Navy “dangerous low” at 17 escorts. 3. _Bristol apprentices celebrated_: Defence apprentices celebrated for National Apprenticeship Week as defence team visited _Babcock International Bristol_ 13 February 2026 to witness future of defence manufacturing. Labour investing in next generation Tories failed to train. _Drones UK Manufacturing Jobs_ 4. _New drone factory Suffolk_: Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturers open new factory in Suffolk 26 February 2026, creating _up to 500 British jobs_ and boosting economic security. Delivers SDR 2025 focus on uncrewed systems. 5. _£140m drone boost_: UK Defence Innovation launched 15 December 2025, investing over £140 million in drone and counter-drone technology in its first year. Shift from Tory cuts

*PART 2 OF 3 - WHAT LABOUR HAS DELIVERED IN 2 YEARS* ### _3. DELIVERING NEW KIT BRITISH COMPANIES JOBS SKILLS IN 2 YEARS - MANIFESTO IN ACTION_ _Steel cut, ships launched, factories opened, colleges created, helicopters sustained, supply chains tested:_ _Naval Shipbuilding Frigates - Babcock International_ 1. _Fleet Solid Support ships_: Work started 3 December 2025 on RFA Fleet Solid Support build programme. Steel cutting ceremony at _Appledore shipyard, Devon_. Boost to British shipbuilding after Tory neglect. 2. _Type 31 frigates advancing_: Two of Royal Navy’s powerful new Type 31 frigates reached key milestones. Steel cut for HMS Bulldog and HMS Active ‘rolled out’ at _Rosyth, Scotland_, announced 24 February 2026. Tories left Navy “dangerous low” at 17 escorts. 3. _Bristol apprentices celebrated_: Defence apprentices celebrated for National Apprenticeship Week as defence team visited _Babcock International Bristol_ 13 February 2026 to witness future of defence manufacturing. Labour investing in next generation Tories failed to train. _Drones UK Manufacturing Jobs_ 4. _New drone factory Suffolk_: Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturers open new factory in Suffolk 26 February 2026, creating _up to 500 British jobs_ and boosting economic security. Delivers SDR 2025 focus on uncrewed systems. 5. _£140m drone boost_: UK Defence Innovation launched 15 December 2025, investing over £140 million in drone and counter-drone technology in its first year. Shift from Tory cuts to modern warfare tech. _Helicopters Mission Readiness - Boeing UK/Leonardo UK_ 6. _£900m helicopter sustainment deal_: _1,200 UK jobs_ supported by nearly £900 million defence deal 15 April 2026 to keep military helicopters mission-ready. More than 1,000 jobs secured through new contract to sustain Army Apache RAF Chinook helicopters. Fixes Tory neglect of helicopter maintenance/backlog. _Defence Boats British Jobs - Coastal Supply Chain_ 7. _3,000 vessel support contracts_: Ministry of Defence signed contracts with five suppliers 25 March 2026 to provide support services for fleet of 3,000 smaller vessels used by Royal Navy, Army, RFA MOD Police. _Boost to British jobs and skills_ in coastal communities, fixing Tory neglect. _Defence Innovation Regional Growth_ 8. _£50m South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal_: New £50 million deal announced 13 April 2026 expanding cutting-edge defence research to help defence companies and boost skills in a region that already supports _3,200 defence jobs_. Labour investing outside London/SE after Tory regional neglect. 9. _National Wealth Fund_: £25m into Bristol firm Rowden = _100 new jobs_ building sensing systems for AUKUS submarines. _Technical Skills Higher Education_ 10. _19 Technical Excellence Colleges_: 19 new colleges announced 14 April 2026 to equip young people with high-level technical skills for well-paid, high-skilled defence jobs. Addresses Tory skills gap. 11. _24 universities £80m for 2,500 places_: 24 universities and colleges awarded investment 9 June 2026. £80 million for _2,500 UK student places_ so more young people can land key defence jobs. Funding builds brand new teaching facilities over next decade. _Supply Chain Resilience Warfighting Readiness_ 12. _Major wargame exercise_: UK tested defence supply chains under war conditions 29 April 2026. Five major defence companies war-gaming with MoD to test how UK supply chains hold up under sustained conflict. Findings directly shape defence policy, ensuring Armed Forces have equipment when needed. Addresses Tory supply chain fragility exposed by Ukraine war.