Defence and Foreign Policy - Detailed Policy Series
UKpopdems – Detail Policy Series 2 of 24.
A series of papers illustrating how UKpopdems will deliver policies for the benefit of Britain and the British people.
2. Defence and Foreign Policy - we must defend these islands and play a key role in creating a safer, freer and more compassionate world.
Everyone knows our world is a dangerous and unstable place, and the dangers in the world are becoming more complex. The peril of massed armies setting out to destroy or take over our country have receded for now, but the threat of great harm by fanatical individuals and groups, hiding in the crowds, has dramatically increased. Looking outward into the wider world, anyone with charity can only be dismayed at the heart-rending suffering of innocent men, women and children through the hand of evil in many guises; suffering that the so-called civilised world and its lofty idealism cannot be trusted to prevent. Truly, no nation today can claim its citizens are safe.
Remarkably, and inexplicably to many, as the world becomes more malevolent, so the more this government is intent on running down Britain’s defences. Almost in direct proportion as the risk increases, so Britain’s ability to protect itself and others against that risk diminishes. What’s going on? Surely, if a government has only one job to do, it is to protect its citizens and interests against the damaging actions of others. It’s not ‘rocket-science’. So is this a deliberate policy to weaken our country, or hopeless misjudgement and incompetence? Protests from the other main parties are so muted you have to wonder.
Britain’s incredibly brave and well-trained armed forces have never been so stretched, nor expected to carry out so wide a panoply of challenging duties. Nor have they ever been so woefully treated, nor badly deprived of the tools they need to succeed and survive. Never has forces leadership been so under the thumb of penny-pinching accountants and stultifying bureaucracy, nor the government so empty-headed in its recognition of the job to be done. It was ever said of Britain’s armies that our young warriors were lions led by donkeys. Never, before today, has this statement proved truer. And at home, while hundreds pour into Britain with hatred in their hearts and intent of killing and maiming innocents in the most barbaric and shocking way, our government is busily dismantling what few border controls remain, seemingly in order to make their passage easier. All this failure must be stopped and about-faced to look evil straight in the eye with visage set hard and determined.
Over the last few hundred years Britain has refined its role on the world stage into a powerful nation that has the ability and the will to act strongly in its own defence and the defence of those in other lands who are weak and suffering the danger of predatory and violent forces. The pain and pride for millions of Britons, and our firm friends, who have sacrificed their lives for others is a memory that will live forever. Any potential government worthy of the name that understands Britain, that is, our history and the history of the British people, could not fail to continue this ordained course. The United Kingdom Popular Democrats - UKpopdems, a party that believes in Britain and the British people, is determined to signal a clear policy to continue and grow this role. UKpopdems know the British people will never tolerate or forgive our shield and sword being carelessly tossed aside in feeble retreat, to be forever at the mercy of foreign despots and disaffected madmen. This is what we’ll do:
Immediately, UKpopdems will undertake both the strengthening of Britain’s borders and the strengthening of Britain’s defences in order to successfully undertake anti-terrorism, peace-keeping/re-construction and offensive operations both at home and world-wide. To do these jobs properly, without over-stretching armed forces personnel and equipment, Britain needs to reverse the present declining trend and double front line resources, increase aircraft, ships, armour and weapons systems by 50%, and also keep our nuclear deterrent updated. Men and women on active duty need to rest, recover and re-train. Equipment needs to be maintained, updated and replaced. With current commitments this just cannot happen, leading to lack of essential equipment, fatigue and low morale. We are letting our troops down and it’s got to stop. UKpopdems will encourage recruitment by paying more, looking after our soldiers and their families better, and making sure front-line troops have the best training and equipment for the job. For too long, Britain has had a make do and mend policy, relying on superb training, discipline and commitment to cover failures in equipment and logistics. Front-line forces who willingly put themselves in danger deserve the very best we can give them.
Expect pay of the most junior ranks to increase by 30%; likewise for those who are most highly specialised and valued. Allowances, too, will double in combat zones. Support and accommodation for service families also needs to improve radically. Knowing those at home are well looked after, whatever the circumstance, is a basic minimum requirement. And the same goes for service men and women who are injured. They will receive the best care during recovery and after, as long as it s needed. No-one will be forced out of the services just because they have been injured. There is plenty of valuable work to be done. These are not cost-driven issues but the recognition of personal sacrifice that any civilised country should be proud to acknowledge.
Across the whole of the public sector, UKpopdems are planning to create a million new front-line jobs and pay for these by releasing two million bureaucrats, administrators and managers. An additional 200,000 front-line personnel will be needed to defend Britain and our interests at home and abroad. Of these, 50,000 will be recruited specifically for the home defence of Britain itself, in immigration, special operations police and intelligence services. Combating terrorists and other dangerous individuals and groups, who merge into the crowd, including international criminals, is a specialist job of identifying, targeting, neutralising and containing. Intelligence gathering is a key tool in the fight that requires highly specialised skills, equipment and a global reach. Many people are rightly nervous about over-strong intelligence departments and their possible negative impact on individual liberty. A joint Parliamentary and independent commission will regulate the service and censure operations if necessary
Equipment and weaponry has always been a key issue in defence, never more so than today. Britain’s forces need the best equipment, no doubt about it, but as a complement to the best trained and disciplined manpower, not as a substitute for poor training and ill-discipline as it is in many parts of the world. British troops are already accepted as the best trained and UKpopdems will ensure training programmes will not be watered down. But in equipment terms, Britain has suffered some woeful failures in poor performance, slow supply, massive cost and time overruns, badly developed requirements and sometimes just sheer arrogance of senior ranks and ministers. UKpopdems will turn all this round by going back to basics. Looked at from base principles it’s clear we need the best arms and equipment available to support the defence of our own country and others in need across the globe. Accept that, and it becomes obvious that equipment must be sourced from where the best already exists, whether at home or abroad. So where there’s an ‘off-the-peg’ solution that fits the bill as is, or with minimal modification, then as long as there are no restrictions on use and a part-manufacture and service partnership can be developed, then we will make the procurement. Costs will not only be kept down but delivery speeded up. In terms of requirements definition and selection we will reduce the involvement of top brass and increase the connection of experienced front-line users to contractors.
Britain’s defence industry is strong and UKpopdems want it to stay that way and grow. The best route to achieving growth and profitability is for the industry to excel. There can be no complete separation of the industry from government but performance on both sides needs a step-changing boost. The industry must look even more outwards to source the best off-the-peg solutions from global sources, rather than strongly promoting in-house design and manufacture; it must use its own expertise to put forward the best product solutions, rather than acquiesce to constantly changing design requirements; it must develop trusted partnerships to identify novel defence initiatives where government can invest to achieve a pre-eminent market position. On the government side, UKpopdems will streamline procurement procedures to ensure actual equipment users are a key part of the selection process, firm up forward requirements and make sure that decision making is timely and commitments made are honoured. We must get procurement right so that equipment levels and quality rises whilst overall budgets remain the same.
Previous governments have let Britain’s role on the international stage decline, citing European ideology or the UK’s reducing world influence. This is nonsense. Britain is one of the few countries that can and should play a full part. Our unique history gives us a potent and valuable view of world affairs and the ability to help solve many intractable issues. Britain’s interests need more protecting than ever, and suffering among many foreign peoples is on the increase. Ukpopdems will strengthen this country’s representation in every corner to protect joint interests, share learning, clarify Britain’s principles and intentions, and resolve issues where our expertise can be of value. If Britain can help preserve world peace through negotiation with anyone, anywhere, then we will do it.
There are at least two areas of conflict which demand early alternative involvement, where solutions look difficult and current initiatives are failing; Africa and the Middle-East. UKpopdems will push hard for Israeli/Palestinian resolution via the road-map already on the table. Our contribution may be to directly support moderate Palestinian initiatives and leadership, either in partnership or, if necessary, alone. Further east we know Britain’s Iraq involvement was wrong and our partnership with the US has caused thousands of innocent civilian deaths and injuries. However, withdrawal now will only result in the collapse of democratic government and worse bloodshed. So Britain must commit to stay, strengthen our forces and do the job of neutralising insurgents, training the Iraqis and reconstructing basic services. In Africa there is so much need, such suffering, and the UN is not acting fast enough or strongly enough. Here, Britain will put forward a bold initiative to create a standing European/African rapid reaction force pre-approved by the UN to act in protection of the innocent under threat.
The implementation of this whole policy will result in a stronger Britain, better placed to protect ourselves and others overseas who need help. We will have a louder voice for peace that will carry across the globe and the commitment to back our initiatives with action. Our influence for good will grow and the people of these islands, once again, will be proud to play a key role in creating a safer, freer and more compassionate world.
Linked policies:
Crime
Immigration
Democracy
Social Services
Taxation
Britain
Europe
Poverty and Aid
Bureaucracy
The Monarchy and Honours
A series of papers illustrating how UKpopdems will deliver policies for the benefit of Britain and the British people.
2. Defence and Foreign Policy - we must defend these islands and play a key role in creating a safer, freer and more compassionate world.
Everyone knows our world is a dangerous and unstable place, and the dangers in the world are becoming more complex. The peril of massed armies setting out to destroy or take over our country have receded for now, but the threat of great harm by fanatical individuals and groups, hiding in the crowds, has dramatically increased. Looking outward into the wider world, anyone with charity can only be dismayed at the heart-rending suffering of innocent men, women and children through the hand of evil in many guises; suffering that the so-called civilised world and its lofty idealism cannot be trusted to prevent. Truly, no nation today can claim its citizens are safe.
Remarkably, and inexplicably to many, as the world becomes more malevolent, so the more this government is intent on running down Britain’s defences. Almost in direct proportion as the risk increases, so Britain’s ability to protect itself and others against that risk diminishes. What’s going on? Surely, if a government has only one job to do, it is to protect its citizens and interests against the damaging actions of others. It’s not ‘rocket-science’. So is this a deliberate policy to weaken our country, or hopeless misjudgement and incompetence? Protests from the other main parties are so muted you have to wonder.
Britain’s incredibly brave and well-trained armed forces have never been so stretched, nor expected to carry out so wide a panoply of challenging duties. Nor have they ever been so woefully treated, nor badly deprived of the tools they need to succeed and survive. Never has forces leadership been so under the thumb of penny-pinching accountants and stultifying bureaucracy, nor the government so empty-headed in its recognition of the job to be done. It was ever said of Britain’s armies that our young warriors were lions led by donkeys. Never, before today, has this statement proved truer. And at home, while hundreds pour into Britain with hatred in their hearts and intent of killing and maiming innocents in the most barbaric and shocking way, our government is busily dismantling what few border controls remain, seemingly in order to make their passage easier. All this failure must be stopped and about-faced to look evil straight in the eye with visage set hard and determined.
Over the last few hundred years Britain has refined its role on the world stage into a powerful nation that has the ability and the will to act strongly in its own defence and the defence of those in other lands who are weak and suffering the danger of predatory and violent forces. The pain and pride for millions of Britons, and our firm friends, who have sacrificed their lives for others is a memory that will live forever. Any potential government worthy of the name that understands Britain, that is, our history and the history of the British people, could not fail to continue this ordained course. The United Kingdom Popular Democrats - UKpopdems, a party that believes in Britain and the British people, is determined to signal a clear policy to continue and grow this role. UKpopdems know the British people will never tolerate or forgive our shield and sword being carelessly tossed aside in feeble retreat, to be forever at the mercy of foreign despots and disaffected madmen. This is what we’ll do:
Immediately, UKpopdems will undertake both the strengthening of Britain’s borders and the strengthening of Britain’s defences in order to successfully undertake anti-terrorism, peace-keeping/re-construction and offensive operations both at home and world-wide. To do these jobs properly, without over-stretching armed forces personnel and equipment, Britain needs to reverse the present declining trend and double front line resources, increase aircraft, ships, armour and weapons systems by 50%, and also keep our nuclear deterrent updated. Men and women on active duty need to rest, recover and re-train. Equipment needs to be maintained, updated and replaced. With current commitments this just cannot happen, leading to lack of essential equipment, fatigue and low morale. We are letting our troops down and it’s got to stop. UKpopdems will encourage recruitment by paying more, looking after our soldiers and their families better, and making sure front-line troops have the best training and equipment for the job. For too long, Britain has had a make do and mend policy, relying on superb training, discipline and commitment to cover failures in equipment and logistics. Front-line forces who willingly put themselves in danger deserve the very best we can give them.
Expect pay of the most junior ranks to increase by 30%; likewise for those who are most highly specialised and valued. Allowances, too, will double in combat zones. Support and accommodation for service families also needs to improve radically. Knowing those at home are well looked after, whatever the circumstance, is a basic minimum requirement. And the same goes for service men and women who are injured. They will receive the best care during recovery and after, as long as it s needed. No-one will be forced out of the services just because they have been injured. There is plenty of valuable work to be done. These are not cost-driven issues but the recognition of personal sacrifice that any civilised country should be proud to acknowledge.
Across the whole of the public sector, UKpopdems are planning to create a million new front-line jobs and pay for these by releasing two million bureaucrats, administrators and managers. An additional 200,000 front-line personnel will be needed to defend Britain and our interests at home and abroad. Of these, 50,000 will be recruited specifically for the home defence of Britain itself, in immigration, special operations police and intelligence services. Combating terrorists and other dangerous individuals and groups, who merge into the crowd, including international criminals, is a specialist job of identifying, targeting, neutralising and containing. Intelligence gathering is a key tool in the fight that requires highly specialised skills, equipment and a global reach. Many people are rightly nervous about over-strong intelligence departments and their possible negative impact on individual liberty. A joint Parliamentary and independent commission will regulate the service and censure operations if necessary
Equipment and weaponry has always been a key issue in defence, never more so than today. Britain’s forces need the best equipment, no doubt about it, but as a complement to the best trained and disciplined manpower, not as a substitute for poor training and ill-discipline as it is in many parts of the world. British troops are already accepted as the best trained and UKpopdems will ensure training programmes will not be watered down. But in equipment terms, Britain has suffered some woeful failures in poor performance, slow supply, massive cost and time overruns, badly developed requirements and sometimes just sheer arrogance of senior ranks and ministers. UKpopdems will turn all this round by going back to basics. Looked at from base principles it’s clear we need the best arms and equipment available to support the defence of our own country and others in need across the globe. Accept that, and it becomes obvious that equipment must be sourced from where the best already exists, whether at home or abroad. So where there’s an ‘off-the-peg’ solution that fits the bill as is, or with minimal modification, then as long as there are no restrictions on use and a part-manufacture and service partnership can be developed, then we will make the procurement. Costs will not only be kept down but delivery speeded up. In terms of requirements definition and selection we will reduce the involvement of top brass and increase the connection of experienced front-line users to contractors.
Britain’s defence industry is strong and UKpopdems want it to stay that way and grow. The best route to achieving growth and profitability is for the industry to excel. There can be no complete separation of the industry from government but performance on both sides needs a step-changing boost. The industry must look even more outwards to source the best off-the-peg solutions from global sources, rather than strongly promoting in-house design and manufacture; it must use its own expertise to put forward the best product solutions, rather than acquiesce to constantly changing design requirements; it must develop trusted partnerships to identify novel defence initiatives where government can invest to achieve a pre-eminent market position. On the government side, UKpopdems will streamline procurement procedures to ensure actual equipment users are a key part of the selection process, firm up forward requirements and make sure that decision making is timely and commitments made are honoured. We must get procurement right so that equipment levels and quality rises whilst overall budgets remain the same.
Previous governments have let Britain’s role on the international stage decline, citing European ideology or the UK’s reducing world influence. This is nonsense. Britain is one of the few countries that can and should play a full part. Our unique history gives us a potent and valuable view of world affairs and the ability to help solve many intractable issues. Britain’s interests need more protecting than ever, and suffering among many foreign peoples is on the increase. Ukpopdems will strengthen this country’s representation in every corner to protect joint interests, share learning, clarify Britain’s principles and intentions, and resolve issues where our expertise can be of value. If Britain can help preserve world peace through negotiation with anyone, anywhere, then we will do it.
There are at least two areas of conflict which demand early alternative involvement, where solutions look difficult and current initiatives are failing; Africa and the Middle-East. UKpopdems will push hard for Israeli/Palestinian resolution via the road-map already on the table. Our contribution may be to directly support moderate Palestinian initiatives and leadership, either in partnership or, if necessary, alone. Further east we know Britain’s Iraq involvement was wrong and our partnership with the US has caused thousands of innocent civilian deaths and injuries. However, withdrawal now will only result in the collapse of democratic government and worse bloodshed. So Britain must commit to stay, strengthen our forces and do the job of neutralising insurgents, training the Iraqis and reconstructing basic services. In Africa there is so much need, such suffering, and the UN is not acting fast enough or strongly enough. Here, Britain will put forward a bold initiative to create a standing European/African rapid reaction force pre-approved by the UN to act in protection of the innocent under threat.
The implementation of this whole policy will result in a stronger Britain, better placed to protect ourselves and others overseas who need help. We will have a louder voice for peace that will carry across the globe and the commitment to back our initiatives with action. Our influence for good will grow and the people of these islands, once again, will be proud to play a key role in creating a safer, freer and more compassionate world.
Linked policies:
Crime
Immigration
Democracy
Social Services
Taxation
Britain
Europe
Poverty and Aid
Bureaucracy
The Monarchy and Honours
posted by United Kingdom Popular Democratic Party at 1:13 pm
