Labour have demanded a halt to Army cuts as Infantry numbers fall by a fifth - despite the threat of a Russian incursion into Ukraine.
British Infantry, the “close combat” troops at the “core of the Army”, are among those stationed in Estonia to protect NATO allies as tensions with Moscow mount.
But following questions from Labour, Tory ministers admit their numbers will drop from 24,940 in 2010 to 19,400 in 2024/25.
Data disclosed to Parliament showed Infantry numbers had rallied to more than 21,000 in 2017, from a low of 19,630 the year before.
During Labour’s 13 years in power the figure ranged between 24,000 and 26,000, the party said.
It is part of a wider ‘Future Soldier’ programme, unveiled in November, which cuts overall troop numbers to 73,000 by 2025.
Labour said lower-ranking soldiers are bearing the brunt of the overall cuts with their numbers set to fall 26% since 2010, compared to an 11% drop for higher-ranking officers.
The shake-up will reorganise the Infantry into four Divisions and ministers admit it will “significantly reduce” the number of personnel.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Conservative ministers have cut British army to its smallest size in 300 years, with frontline troops bearing the brunt of these cuts.
“Our Armed Forces are essential to our national resilience, as well as our national defence, as we’ve seen during the Covid pandemic.
“With threats against the UK increasing including developments with Ukraine, Ministers must halt cuts to Britain’s Army now.”
Officials insisted Infantry soldiers did not need to be made redundant as some could retrain in areas like space, cyber and coding.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Under the Future Soldier programme the Army will be restructured to properly meet future threats.
“The Army will be lighter, more agile, more lethal and more expeditionary than ever before.
“We are confident we have both the numbers and capabilities required to protect the United Kingdom from today’s threats.”
