The UK government has announced a significant £75 billion increase in defence spending, asserting Britain's status as the largest defence power in Europe. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps declared the era of the peace dividend over, emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening the military in response to current global threats. This move, highlighted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aims to enhance the capabilities of the British Armed Forces to deter threats and lead allies. However, this decision comes amid criticisms from Labour, pointing to a recruitment crisis and accusing the Conservative government of failing to bolster the military effectively, with the British army now at its smallest since 1714. Industry leaders have also urged that the increased funds be spent within the UK to safeguard national security.
“The British army is now the smallest it has been since 1714. “The picture is no different in the US. Armed forces recruitment is slumping, and the US now has its smallest military in 80 years” ✍️ Opinion by John Rees https://t.co/eCO6FmoHmi
“Amid all the talk of a new European war, the political establishments in the UK and US face an enormous problem: in neither country can the armed forces attract sufficient young people to meet the demands of the military" ✍️ Opinion by John Rees https://t.co/EaUCe3xEtn
“In the UK, the recruitment crisis is so acute that senior military figures are calling for the reintroduction of conscription. “The picture is no different in the US... The US now has its smallest military in 80 years” ✍️ Opinion by John Rees https://t.co/3TvMLuUmVA
The defence secretary has urged rebellious Tories to shelve their designs on replacing the prime minister before an election, as Sunak beefs up defence spending ⬇️ https://t.co/WYCr107g3s
“The political establishments in the UK and US face an enormous problem: in neither country can the armed forces attract sufficient young people to meet the demands of the military" ✍️ Opinion by John Rees https://t.co/LxSIl9xR8C
“It is surely a sign of empire in decline that these nations can no longer attract people willing to take up arms on their behalf. If that is the case, the US and UK are facing an acute crisis of decline” ✍️ Opinion by John Rees https://t.co/eCO6FmoHmi
"Why the US and UK are facing a military recruitment crisis" ✍️ Opinion by John Rees https://t.co/O1QiyyhY3R
Labour must match the Tories on defence spending, former Army chief warns Keir Starmer https://t.co/j6iKhfgsmc https://t.co/ufoP6TUPQC
🖊 'Buying foreign defence equipment will put our national security at risk' Heads of major arms makers warn that Rishi Sunak must spend extra funds in the UK - Read their column in full⬇️ https://t.co/mexvjOisBW
🪖 The Tories have hollowed out Britain's military. The British Army is at its smallest size since it fought Napoleon. Now, with a General Election breathing down their neck, the Tories promise the world. We've seen this trick before. Labour will strengthening our defences 🇬🇧 https://t.co/WV5YOkPtSk
🇬🇧🪖 Labour warns of ‘total failure’ of UK military as data reveal more people left the services than joined up last year Read this exclusive story below ⬇️ https://t.co/sxKQmKeZi1
When I set out my priorities as Defence Secretary I declared the era of the peace dividend over. Since then @RishiSunak and I have kept that promise with new funding that rises to the moment - empowering our Armed Forces to deter our enemies, lead our allies & defend our nation. https://t.co/t2EKvsfSTq
The £75 billion uplift in defence spending confirms Britain's place as the biggest defence power in Europe. This is the leadership the world needs and the Prime Minister is undoubtedly leading from the front. Read my full article in the Express below. https://t.co/5ub7wawN9M
The £75 billion uplift in defence spending confirms Britain's place as the biggest defence power in Europe. This is the leadership the world needs and the Prime Minister is undoubtedly leading from the front. Read my article in the @express below: https://t.co/5ub7wawN9M