Invest in defence bonds to truly unlock military regeneration, say Lib Dems

EMBARGO: 2230 29th July 2026

Responding to reports that Andy Burnham plans to invest in nuclear submarines along with a defence apprenticeships drive, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson, James MacCleary MP, said:

“Our nuclear deterrent is the ultimate guarantor of Britain’s national security. The Prime Minister is right to focus on securing its next generation, but he can’t turn a blind eye to the damage done to the rest of our military by years of Conservative negligence and cuts.

“With Putin expanding his aggression and an unreliable partner in the White House, we need to invest properly in the regeneration of our Army, Navy and Air Force. This is a real missed opportunity for Andy Burnham to have heeded Liberal Democrat calls for defence bonds, and raise dedicated funding to rebuild capabilities across the whole of the Armed Forces.”

ENDS