There should be no return to the nuclear arms race and Government puts economic ties before human rights - Liberal Democrats attack Integrated review of security, defence, foreign policy and development

"The Government's Integrated Review is not strategic, not integrated, and not a proper review. Rather, it is full of retreat and broken promises," said Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Jamie Stone MP. .

"Our Armed forces are being cut back and the Defence budget is in a mess. And as Professor Peter Roberts said today - this review will worry our allies more than our adversaries.

"Proposals to increase the number of Trident warheads should not be taken forward. Such a policy would be a breach of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Increasing our nuclear arsenal now will not strengthen our defence. The world faces many threats to peace and stability. We should not add to those threats by encouraging a return to the nuclear arms race.

"This Integrated Review slashes support to the world's poorest and puts economic ties before human rights in China, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, " commented Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran MP.

"The UK's development spending represents the best of British values. During a global pandemic, none of us are safe until everyone is. Reneging on the commitment to retain 0.7% of GNI is a short-sighted mistake that will hit the world's poorest the hardest - promising it will be 'temporary' are weasel words. We need a cast-iron guarantee and roadmap that will see this unlawful cut restored next year and if it won't, for the Government to bring the permanent cut to vote.

"The UK should be showing leadership. Instead, the Government is putting short-term gain and political posturing before our values as a country. The Prime Minister must rescue our global reputation by sticking to our commitments on aid and always putting human rights first no matter where they are under threat."