Defence And Security
Our aim is to ensure a strong, independent, sovereign nation. This requires a well funded, trained and equipped professional Armed Forces (both full time and Reservist), geared for the defence of our nation and shipping.
"Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations—entangling alliances with none" — Thomas Jefferson
Energy independence will remove the need and temptation for the UK to be involved in many theatres of conflict around the world.
Armed Forces
- Our national stance will be one of armed neutrality.
- We expect to support the Armed Services, their families and veterans. Reservist and Cadet wings are also seen as vital components of a sustainable, professional force.
- We are committed to undertake a proper review of our genuine defence needs, based upon the reality of the threats that our nation faces today, rather than the position that we were in during the cold war; this review to include analysis of presumptions regarding safe international sea trade.
- All defence procurement decisions to be made on pragmatic rather than jingoist grounds.
- Our Armed Forces need to be able to make an enemy think twice, so must have the ability to project force rapidly, globally and flexibly in focused ways, e.g. submarines, amphibious assault, Marines, Special Forces.
- To protect supply lines and commercial shipping and fisheries from piracy and other interference will require a suitably sized fleet of Corvettes, Frigates and associated support craft.
- Maintain membership of NATO while in the National Interest.
- Maintain strong ties with non-aggressive Commonwealth countries.
- Nuclear deterrent to be made truly independent, retained, maintained and eventually replaced for the foreseeable future.
Energy Independence
- All practical local fuel and energy resources (such as coal) to be considered alongside the continuation and, if economically viable and necessary, the renewal of nuclear power until dependable, alternative sources are available.
- End counter-productive subsidies and grants for biofuels and wind farms. Open up the marketplace to all alternatives, e.g. wave and tidal.
- No unreasonable obstructions to microgeneration shall be put in place by the State.
- Commission a report to investigate the practicality of reducing our dependency on imported fuel oil by utilising the synthesis of hydrocarbons using surplus or erratic electricity generation technologies (e.g. wind), and/or switching to electric traction in areas such as haulage and public transport.