Army chief urges public to accept costs of stronger national defence
General Sir Roly Walker, the head of the British Army, said the public should be prepared to make sacrifices to strengthen the country’s defence. He expects political leaders to explain the risks Britain faces and ask citizens to support defence and security, amid concerns about the possibility of direct conflict.
The warning comes as Labour has yet to commit to higher defence spending. Investment is expected to remain around 2.7 per cent of GDP for the rest of the decade, below calls for 3 per cent by 2030 and Nato’s 3.5 per cent benchmark by 2035; reaching the latter is estimated to require an extra £25 billion a year. An Ipsos survey found 51 per cent support higher military spending, while 36 per cent said they would be willing to fight for the country.
- Army chief says the public must accept sacrifices for defence.
- UK defence spending is expected to stay near 2.7 per cent of GDP.
- Survey support for more spending exceeds willingness to fight.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a more dangerous security climate calls for stronger defences, and that preparing now could deter aggression and protect the public if deterrence fails. They say leaders should be candid about the costs and ask citizens to share them, rather than leave the country exposed through underinvestment.
The case against
Sceptics argue that higher military spending would mean substantial costs, including an estimated £25 billion a year to meet Nato’s 3.5 per cent benchmark, and that these must be weighed against other public needs. They may question whether such a rapid increase is the best response, favour clearer evidence of the risks and priorities, and argue that security also depends on diplomacy and resilience beyond military spending.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Britain faces a ‘frank conversation’ over ‘sacrifices’ needed to defend the nation, warns Army chief in wake up call to Labour”.