The hard left are ridiculous – but we mustn’t forget they are also dangerous

Jeremy Corbyn doesn’t think defending the nation is ‘socially useful’. Just as with CND in the Cold War, our enemies will be cheering him on.

Ted Yarbrough: Labour do not believe in Britain

From an American perspective, the manifestos make it blindingly obvious that only one party has any faith in the British people.

Our at-a-glance guide to the Conservative manifesto

After a positive pitch from Cameron that led on housing and employment, here is a fuller list of what the Tories are offering the public in May.

Michael Fallon MP: Our new triple lock to guarantee the size, shape and power of our armed forces

We will increase the defence budget by more than inflation; not reduce the size of the regular armed forces further, and replace the four existing Vanguard submarines.

Henry Hill: As electoral reality sinks in, Labour and the SNP prepare for a deal

Also: Alliance attacks unionist pact and bids for pro-Union voters; rocky start for Plaid Cymru’s campaign; and Northern Ireland awaits judgement in ‘gay cake’ case.

Harry Saville: The case for Trident

We need three, if not four, new Resolution-class ballistic missile submarines.

Bernard Jenkin MP: “There are no votes in defence.” Or so they say…

The two battered main parties would do well to speak honestly about the challenges and costs we face.