Hamish Macdonell: Battle lines redrawn as Cameron risks all on defence strategy

Published on Thursday 30 April 2009 22:55

IT ALL USED to be so simple. In the 1970s and 1980s, the battle lines between Labour and the Conservatives were clearly marked in blue and red.

The Tories were the party of defence, of security, or our armed forces, while Labour was seen as the party of peace, negotiation and disarmament.

So what on earth has happened? David Cameron said yesterday that every item of defence spending, even Trident and aircraft carrier orders, would be under review for an incoming Tory government.

These are not just mighty defence projects, projects the Labour government has pledged to fulfil, but they also affect Britain's standing on the world stage – and here we have a Conservative leader refusing the guarantee them.

The potential enormity of this step was quickly recognised by Tory Central Office which rapidly put out a clarification, making it clear that Mr Cameron would never want to get rid of Britain's nuclear deterrent completely; he was just looking at any ways of saving money.

But, interestingly enough, there was no retraction on the threat to the aircraft carrier jobs.

So, where does this leave us? It is clear that the Conservatives are examining every one of their policies and all existing contracts, aware that the public finances will be in an appalling state when, and if, they take over next year.

They realise they cannot support any project unconditionally … but the aircraft carriers?

In the new, global world of terrorism, there is an argument for saying that these two mammoth ships are not necessary, or at least not as necessary as smaller, more adaptable vessels.

It is an argument that Mr Cameron has started and which will enrage the Tory old guard. But, having started it, he will have to be content to see it running until after the next election.