Heappey dismisses fears that changes will make British army ‘too small’

During defence questions, shadow secretary John Healey questioned government plans that “risk leaving the British Army too small”. The defence under-secretary James Heappey dismissed these claims, telling the House of Commons that the army will be “better equipped”. 

Healey argued that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was a reminder that the UK army must “reinforce Europe’s deterrence”.

Heappey explained that the proposed changes will make the army “more lethal and more integrated”.