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Senior military chiefs warn Starmer of £28bn defence shortfall
Despite planned spending rises, inflation and rising costs create a £28 billion shortfall, risking major cuts and delays to UK defence programmes, officials said.
- Last year Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warned Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street that the Ministry of Defence faces a £28 billion shortfall over the next four years.
- Rising costs have been blamed for the gap, with inflation, troop pay rises, nuclear deterrent expenses, and the Ministry of Defence losing control over new ships and jets after overlooking frigates.
- Key programmes are now at risk, for example, ministers may pull the plug on the 6.3 billion pound Ajax programme, while the British Army of about 71,000 could struggle to send even 7,500 soldiers to Ukraine.
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton ordered officials to rework the defence investment plan, and publication has been delayed to this year, forcing ministers to consider cutting major programmes.
- Earlier commitments set targets of 2.5 per cent by 2027 and 3 per cent next parliament, while the MoD spokeswoman said the defence budget totals £270 billion this parliament.
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Military chiefs accused of 'inflating' threats to UK amid row over defence spending
MILITARY chiefs have been accused of “inflating” external threats to the UK to justify increasing defence budgets – after reports suggested the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is facing a shortfall of £28 billion.
·Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left5Leaning Right4Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Left
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left
38% Left
L 38%
C 31%
R 31%
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