Top Tories demand more cash for defence
Security minister Tom Tugendhat and Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan have publicly called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to allocate more funds for defence amidst growing threats to the UK.
Pressure on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt
In a joint essay on LinkedIn, the ministers emphasized the need for the UK to "lead the way" by increasing defence spending to at least 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). The current spending stands at around two per cent of GDP.
Defiance from ministers
The post, which had not been cleared with Downing Street, has been described as a bold move by Whitehall insiders. Despite the act of defiance, neither minister is expected to be sacked.
Call for growth and investment
Tugendhat and Trevelyan highlighted the changing global landscape, emphasizing the need for investment in the military industrial complex to stay ahead of adversaries. They stressed the importance of starting the growth now to support allies and enhance military advantage.
Push for increased spending
The ministers pointed to the rising defence budgets of countries like China and Russia, underscoring the urgency for the UK to boost its own defence and security spending commitments. Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's efforts were acknowledged, but the call for further growth remains.
Response from Chancellor and military figures
While Chancellor Hunt has indicated that spending will reach 2.5 per cent when economic conditions allow, senior military figures and former defence secretaries have been advocating for immediate increases in funding. Even Defence Secretary Grant Shapps expressed surprise at the lack of allocation in the recent Budget.
Government's stance on spending
Despite the push for more funds, Downing Street sources clarified that the article did not require clearance as it was a social media post. The Government remains committed to raising spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP at the earliest opportunity.
