Meanwhile Mr Khan, the shadow justice secretary, said the plan "does not address the problem of unreformed offenders who have completed their sentence being released to commit crime and inflict harm on the public".

BBC: Life sentences 'to be mandatory for more crimes'

Labour shadow Treasury minister Chris Leslie said the plan did not go far enough.

BBC: Funding for Lending scheme aims to cut loan costs

Shadow defence minister Gemma Doyle said the plan could only work if the government worked with employers and suggested considering anti-discrimination legislation for reservists to help them combine working life with a career in the reserves.

BBC: Tory backbenchers criticise plan to cut regular army