Will Shapps shape up?

“Our many loyal servicemen and women - and vets - across Shropshire will be wondering whether Grant Shapps is the right appointment to this crucial role as Secretary of State for Defence ” says Chris Naylor, the Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for South Shropshire. 

"At this difficult time, with the awful Ukraine conflict very much in the balance still, and ongoing concerns about Taiwan and China, many are questioning whether Mr Shapps has the backbone and resolve to champion the UK’s vital global defence contribution. A minister in many departments but perhaps a master of none, we must all hope he shapes up to his new challenge.”

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Richard Ford MP said that PM Sunak has appointed a ‘yes man’ who will be in charge of “ slashing troop numbers by 10,000”. “They have taken the armed forces for granted for too long, and we are all left less safe as a result” he said.