Liberal Democrats will put British values of fairness and the rule of law back at the heart of our foreign policy. We will always put the country’s security first, but the national interest demands that we work with allies, stand up for human rights, and help people in the poorest parts of the world. We will not repeat the errors of Iraq. By working closely with our allies, Britain will have more influence in tackling international problems like poverty, climate change and terrorism. The brave men and women of our armed forces are the most precious military asset we have. They must be treated fairly, with pay and conditions that reflect their amazing commitment to this country. They must get the right equipment to do their jobs properly and as securely as possible.

A full inquiry into allegations of British complicity in torture and state kidnapping – Liberal Democrats are completely opposed to the use of torture and state-kidnapping known as extraordinary rendition. The Government has consistently failed to tell the truth about the extent of its involvement in these practices by foreign intelligence agencies, including the CIA. Only a full inquiry will get to the bottom of the issue and restore Britain’s reputation for decency and fairness.

Critical friends of the Afghanistan mission – We support the mission in Afghanistan. Failure would have devastating consequences for Afghanistan, the region, for NATO and for Britain’s security. But we owe it to our troops to ask tough questions about how success can be achieved. We will continue to demand that the strategy in Afghanistan pushes for a more legitimate government, tackles corruption and involves others players in the region.

A pay raise for the lower ranks – Our brave troops put their lives on the line for this country. But too many of them are paid a pittance in return. Liberal Democrats will give lower ranks a pay rise, so that their pay is brought into line with the starting salary of police constables. The cost will be met, pound for pound, by reducing the number of bureaucrats and civil servants in the Ministry of Defence.

Homes for heroes – Too many armed forces’ families live in slum-like conditions. The least our heroes and their families deserve is a decent home. We would double the rate of modernisation of forces’ family homes, and the cost will be met, pound for pound, by reducing numbers of top brass officers.

No to like-for-like Trident – Full-scale Trident is a Cold War system intended for a bygone age. It is unnecessary and, at £100bn over a lifetime, it is unaffordable. Liberal Democrats believe that our security could be better served by different systems more suited to current threats, and will hold a full defence review to help decide on this and other major defence procurement plans.

Meeting Britain’s promise on aid – Increase the UK’s aid budget to reach the UN target of 0.7% of GNI by 2013 and enshrine that target in law. We will hold the G8 to its Gleneagles pledges on aid, including on the 0.7% target.