Party pledges: Foreign affairs and defence

Conservative: Hold referendum on Britain’s membership of EU by 2017, after negotiating return of some powers from Brussels

Replace Trident nuclear weapons system – government has put replacement cost at between £15bn and £20bn

£3.3bn of new investment in naval bases – secure 7,500 jobs in Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde

Labour: Push for reform of EU and prevent Britain from “sleepwalking” towards exit

Maintain a credible sea-based nuclear deterrent

Commit in law to holding Strategic Defence and Security Review every 5 years. Review to include future of Trident

Recognise Palestine, but only when such a move will enhance peace process

SNP: Oppose nuclear weapons and push for removal of Trident submarines from Scotland. Maintain 0.7% foreign aid commitment

Liberal Democrats: Campaign to reduce number of Trident nuclear submarines

Push for greater European Union efficiency

UKIP: Leave EU – save £8bn a year membership fees

Impound passports of any person who has gone to fight for a terrorist organisation

Deport anyone who has committed a terrorist act

Cut foreign aid budget by £9bn

Create a Veterans Department to look after the interests of ex-service men and women

Plaid Cymru: Retain 0.7% of budget for foreign aid. Campaign for cancellation of developing countries’ debt

Greens: Referendum on Britain’s EU membership. Scrap nuclear weapons. Boost overseas aid to 1% of GDP

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

33 35 37 38 41 43 45 44 42 44 

LAB  CON

As a member of NATO, Britain is committed to spending 2% of GDP on defence

Defence spending (£ billion)

Sources: Party manifestos, HM Treasury

Picture: Associated Press

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