Shadow Defence Secretary Urges Stronger Defence Funding After Two Resignations

Britain's Shadow Defence Secretary called for higher defence spending and a stronger signal to Russia after two ministers resigned from their posts. James Cartlidge told GB News the resignations created a "shambles" and urged the government to "get a grip" on defence policy. He said the seizure of a Russian oil tanker showed what armed forces personnel can achieve when given proper equipment.

Cartlidge criticised plans to raise defence spending by only 0.08 per cent by 2030, calling the increase "nowhere near enough." He noted that the previous defence secretary had also viewed the level as inadequate. The Shadow Defence Secretary said the government must find additional funds and address the welfare budget to sustain higher defence outlays beyond one-time measures.

Cartlidge stated that defence spending last reached three per cent of GDP in 1996. He said spending has declined over decades because successive governments believed peace had been secured. He added that the army has shrunk almost every year since the Second World War, a trend that predates the current government.