Defence secretary grilled over below-target army spending amid rising global risks

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps faced probing questions from BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg regarding the UK’s defence spending, which currently falls below the target of 2.5% of GDP. Shapps, in an interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, refused to specify when the Tory pledge to raise defence spending would be met, despite acknowledging an increased risk of war in an evolving global landscape.

When pressed on when the UK would reach the 2.5% target, Shapps responded, “There is a trajectory upwards. I can’t give you the exact date because we’ve always said it’s as the economic conditions allow. But the point is we’re working to a plan.” The Defence Secretary’s comments come after a stark warning from General Lord Dannatt, the former chief of the general staff of the British Army, who cautioned that the UK could face a situation reminiscent of the 1930s if more investment is not made in the armed forces.

Lord Dannatt expressed concern over the shrinking size of the army, emphasizing the need for urgent reviews of pay and conditions. Drawing parallels with the 1930s, he highlighted the importance of a strong armed forces to deter potential aggression from Moscow or Beijing, warning that failure to do so could lead to a major conflict.

Shapps defended the government’s proposals, stating that the size of the regular army would be reduced from a commitment of 82,000 troops to 73,000 by 2025. Despite projections suggesting it could eventually drop to 50,000, Shapps insisted it would not dip below 73,000, emphasizing the importance of the armed forces’ lethality rather than just numerical strength.

In a recent speech, Shapps acknowledged the end of the “peace dividend” era, signaling the need for increased defence spending. He highlighted the risks posed by countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, along with the threat of terrorist groups in an increasingly dangerous world.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, while not committing to Labour spending 3% of GDP annually on defence if elected, emphasized the importance of national security as the foundation for the country’s well-being. The interview underscores ongoing concerns about the UK’s military preparedness and the government’s commitment to meeting defence spending targets in the face of growing geopolitical uncertainties.