Ed Miliband: Michael Fallon has demeaned himself

The Labour leader has responded to Michael Fallon’s comments.

He told an audience in London: “Michael Fallon is decent man but today I think he has demeaned himself and he has demeaned his office.

“National security is too important to play politics with – I will never compromise our national security, I will never negotiate away our national security, and you know what? The Conservative party can throw what they like at me but I am going to carry on concentrating on the issues that matter to the British people.

He added: “We are committed to an independent nuclear deterrent, we are committed to renewing trident,w e are committed to continuous at sea deterrent.

“On the question of four boats or three boats, what we have said is we will be guided by the experts, what the experts have said is four boats.

“It is right to have a review because if technology changes you can look at it, but our clear position is basically four boats because that’s what the experts say. and that is why it is such nonsense because the Conservative party is trying to create division with us when there isn’t division.”

He added that this was a “ridiculous and pathetic way to run a campaign”.

Michael Fallon said this morning that he stabbed his brother in the back, and would stab Britain in the back. Mr Miliband said he has go to used to such personal attacks and that “desperate smears” do not bother him.