Pippa Heylings

Pippa Heylings

Liberal Democrat — South Cambridgeshire

Speaking in the House of Commons on 6 January 2025

Debate

Topical Questions

Contribution

T4. The Defence Secretary said in October that despite conflict returning to Europe, the number of Army personnel would drop to below 70,000 next year, the lowest level since 1793. The problem is not just recruitment, but retention. More people are leaving than are joining. In 2023, 15,000 people left the armed forces, while only 11,000 joined. Will he commit to addressing the recruitment-retention balance in this year’s strategic defence review?

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