The party faithful (and lobbyists) have their favourites. The conference hall rose in
applause when Liam Fox sat down, having delivered his speech. This might have been a tricky engagement for Fox, who is overseeing substantial cuts to the defence budget, which might,
conceivably, have angered activists. He has also been under pressure from Jim Murphy, who is described by some in government as the opposition’s ablest shadow minister. Fox,
however, prevailed by giving a true blue speech aimed squarely at the audience in the hall.
The gruelling strategic defence review was necessary, he said, because deficits threaten national security – a line he’s used before. But, thanks to his management, Britain would emerge from the age of austerity armed to the teeth. He then rattled off the array of new weaponry that would be at Britain’s disposal at the end of the decade. Trident would also be renewed, he said, which elicited sounds of approval from the audience.
He also touched on the military covenant, citing reductions to servicemen’s council tax and other similar measures as proof of the government’s commitment He also praised the military’s efforts and success in the tough theatres of Afghanistan and Libya.
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