Army Deemed ‘Too Small’ to Defend the UK, But No Increased Spending Says Chancellor

The Chancellor is facing criticism for his decision not to increase defense spending after an Army Chief warned the British army, in its current state, is “too small” to face Russia in a conflict.

Global Conflicts Influence Predictions

As Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the pre-election budget, he was expected to provide increased funding towards the nation’s military as global conflicts such as Israel and Ukraine intensify.

Lack of Increased Defence Spending

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt faced accusations of shortsightedness for not allocating additional funds to the defense budget in a time of perceived crisis for the nation’s military. 

Defence Spending Plans and Economic Conditions

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps admitted that the current military generation was in its “pre-war” phase, suggesting a potential conflict with opponents like Russia or China in the coming decade.

Shapps Promises to Increase Spending

It’s because of these strained global relations that Shapps announced he would increase defense spending to 2.5% of the nation’s GDP, although Hunt had other ideas.

Labour Leader Slams “Chuckle Brother” Chancellor

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the budget, describing it as the “last desperate act of a party that has failed,” while calling Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Chancellor, “the Chuckle Brothers of Decline.”

UK Leads Ukraine Funding

The UK, along with Germany, is leading the way in providing foreign aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia, with Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking to wipe out the country.

UK Pledges £12 billion

So far, the UK has pledged nearly £12 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, with at least £7 billion going towards military equipment and training, including tanks and ammunition.

Budget Figures Raise Concerns

Tables within the Financial Statement and Budget Report revealed that routine spending on the Armed Forces is projected to decrease by £2.2 billion in the coming year. 

“Nothing Else Matters”

One former army commander has slammed Hunt’s decision not to increase defense spending, calling it “the one time” the budget was supposed to improve the military,” adding “nothing else matters if we cannot defend ourselves.

Hunt Counters Claims

Despite the claims that the nation’s army is “too small” to defend itself, Chancellor Hunt insisted that “We are providing more military support to Ukraine than nearly any other country.”

Hunt Cites Economic Conditions 

According to Hunt, Shapps’ promise of increased defence spending to 2.5% of the nation’s GDP will come “as soon as economic conditions allow.”

Kremlin Counts Blessings

Former Army Commander Colonel Hamish argued that the Russian President would be licking his lips at the size of the UK’s army and lack of spending.

Government Accused of Being “Shortsighted”

According to Colonel Hamish, “It is abundantly clear from the Budget that defence of the realm is not an issue for the Government and probably not the Opposition. This is incredibly shortsighted.”

“Rishi’s Recession” Call Rings Out

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer noted the fact that the UK recently fell into a recession under the Conservative government, describing Sunak’s reign as “Rishi’s Recession.”

Starmer’s Dig At Tory Spending

Starmer added some humour to the economy’s desire state, saying that Tories had “maxed out the nation’s credit card,” which may suggest why defence spending was left out until further notice.

Army Chief’s Recruitment Warning

Army Chief, General Sir Patrick Sanders, admitted that the nation’s army would be “too small” to fight in a conflict with Russia, with the army facing a recruitment crisis.

Civilian Conflict Warning

Suggestions were floating around that the army may have to resort to civilian call-ups if the crisis continued into a global conflict, but the government dismissed this idea.

AI Could Be The Key to Small Army Woes

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps defended the army’s low count, suggesting that the use of AI and modern military technology could save thousands of lives.

“Fewer Troops” Is The Plan

Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey insisted that the plan is “fewer troops, fewer ships, fewer planes, over the next few years” despite Labour’s claims that “size matters” in military terms.

Defence Spending Vulnerable

As global conflicts take over the news headlines, Britain is seeing all the signs of a potential conflict coming its way, making the lack of defence spending vulnerable to criticism.

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gints Ivuskans.