Ben Wallace has demanded a return to “properly investing in defence” and criticized previous governments for “hollowing out” the military.
The Defence Secretary accused ministers of “raiding” his department’s budget since 1991 and stated that he faced an uphill battle to obtain additional funds before to the Budget next month.
However, he expressed optimism that defence spending had “turned the corner” after receiving an additional £16 billion over four years in 2020.
In addition, he dismissed as “b****cks” claims in the German media that NATO may seek Berlin to retain command of the alliance’s fast reaction force next year.
The United Kingdom is slated to take over command of the NATO Reaction Force (NRF) from Berlin at the end of the year, but German media have reported that NATO asked Berlin to remain in charge owing to diminishing British resources.
Mr. Wallace stated to the BBC, “The tale of Germany, it’s just b****cks, right? I mean, in all candor, the simple fact is that no one was contacted by the NATO leadership. We are assuming control of the NRF as planned.
While addressing Sky News, he stated, ‘From 1991, the end of the Cold War, we have witnessed a constant looting of the defense budget over time. As the threat has worsened, the problem has persisted for far too many decades, which is why Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, when he was chancellor, handed us an additional £16 billion in 2020.
It was the first true turning point with real money rather than imaginary efficiency savings, allowing us to begin modernizing our Military Forces.
Nevertheless, Mr. Wallace wants between £8 billion and £11 billion for the next two years, while officials want to increase the budget by up to a fifth to meet the costs of inflation, foreign exchange changes, and paying NATO and Ukrainian activities.
Yet Treasury officials are opposing the demands, citing failing Department of Defense projects as evidence.
Nevertheless, senior Tories warn that ministers have “slashed the Army to the bone” and that a world-class military cannot be purchased “on the cheap.”
Mr. Wallace disputed Thursday that he will resign if he does not receive the cash he desires, saying, ‘It is always a battle with the Treasury, regardless of which department you’re in. Between now and the Budget, I have plenty of time and discussions with the Chancellor to ensure that we try to reach an agreement.’
Liz Truss, during her brief tenure as prime minister, pledged to increase defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030, but Mr. Sunak has distanced himself from the plan.
Tomorrow in Japan, Ms. Truss will deliver a speech on the external challenges confronting the United Kingdom, which could intensify pressure on the subject.
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