In Lincolnshire, with its proud military heritage, the sharp decline in the size of Britain’s Armed Forces is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s a direct affront to the principles of service, security, and sacrifice. Recent figures paint a troubling picture: the British Armed Forces now boast just two troops per 1,000 people, a record low. At the same time, the public sector—particularly the Civil Service—continues to balloon unchecked.
The contrast is stark. Today, Britain has four times as many civil servants as regular soldiers. For every troop protecting our freedoms, there are bureaucrats in Whitehall managing processes. Meanwhile, 15,119 personnel left the armed forces last year, with over half voluntarily opting to quit despite a recent six percent pay rise. The recruitment crisis has left us with a net loss, as just 12,000 recruits signed up during the same period.
What Does This Mean for Lincolnshire?
This decline is profoundly concerning as a county with a deep connection to our military—home to RAF bases, veterans, and communities that have supported the armed forces for generations. It represents not just a national failure but a betrayal of the values Lincolnshire holds dear: duty, resilience, and service.
The problem isn’t just about numbers. It’s about priorities. The Civil Service has grown by over 100,000 people since 2014, while the forces face shrinking pay in real terms, diminishing morale, and an increased strain on fewer personnel. This imbalance reflects a government machine that has lost sight of what truly matters: safeguarding our nation’s future.
A Ballooning Bureaucracy
While our armed forces are overstretched, public sector bureaucracy has exploded, with more mandarins than ever. This growth, justified by excuses like COVID-19, has created inefficiency rather than solutions. Local councils, including Lincolnshire County Council, can deliver services efficiently without excessive headcounts. The national government should take note.
If Lincolnshire’s local governance operated like the Civil Service—growing staff while ignoring results—our roads would go unrepaired, our flood defences would fail, and essential services would grind to a halt. Instead, Lincolnshire has proven that careful management can deliver results while lowering council tax. The same discipline should be applied to national priorities.
What Needs to Change?
Lincolnshire Conservatives have long argued for sustainable funding and efficient governance. We believe the government must:
- Reinvest in Defence: Reverse the decline in military personnel by offering competitive pay and benefits, especially for recruits, and ensure retention schemes work.
- Cut Civil Service Growth: Pause the relentless expansion of the Civil Service and refocus resources on frontline public services and defence.
- Rebalance Priorities: A nation’s first duty is its security. Without a strong military, we undermine our standing on the global stage and our ability to protect our citizens.
Lincolnshire Leads the Way
Here in Lincolnshire, we do our part to manage resources responsibly while maintaining high standards. From investing in flood prevention to tackling antisocial behaviour, we show that good governance doesn’t mean endless growth in bureaucracy—it means prioritising what truly matters.
The same principles must be applied at the national level. Our armed forces are the bedrock of our security and our identity. We cannot allow them to wither away while the corridors of Whitehall swell with unnecessary staff.
Time for Action
Lincolnshire has been ignored for too long when it comes to national decisions, but our voice remains clear: Britain needs fewer bureaucrats and more soldiers. We need a government that values action over administration and strength over spreadsheets.
The people of Lincolnshire understand what it means to stand up for our country. It’s time for the rest of Britain to follow our lead.