Minister Forced to Admit Decline in Defence Spending
Since the Tories took power in 2010, UK defence spending has seen a significant slump, with the Earl of Minto revealing a drop from 2.47% to 2.28% of the country's wealth allocated to armed forces.
Push for Increase Amid Global Threats
MPs are calling for a raise in defence spending to three per cent, citing mounting threats from global powers like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and others are urging for immediate action.
PM Faces Pressure to Boost Defence Spending
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised an increase to 2.5% when the economy allows, but with mounting pressure from various officials and top military brass, calls for a more substantial rise are growing louder.
No Significant Rise Planned
Despite Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's optimism about the economy, there are currently no plans for a significant increase in military spending, with Downing Street instead considering a one-off uplift around Nato's 75th anniversary in July.
Military Preparedness Questioned
Recent decisions to redirect RAF jets from protecting Nato against Russia to defending Israel have raised concerns about the UK's military preparedness, highlighting the ongoing debate around defence spending priorities.
