January 16, 2024
2 mins read

UK defence faces inflection point, says Shapps  

Asked whether the government would go beyond current spending, a spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was a matter for the finance minister but the government was expanding defence spending…reports Asian Lite News

This year must mark an “inflection point” to decide the future of British defence, minister Grant Shapps said on Monday, setting out steps to better protect the nation against threats posed by a number of conflicts that are “likely to grow”.

In a speech setting out his view that 2024 will see the world become more dangerous and require Britain and its allies to deal with “irrational” powers, Shapps said the government was striving to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product – something he urged other democratic nations to follow.

“In five years’ time, we could be looking at multiple theatres including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Ask yourself … is it more likely that that number grows or reduces? I suspect we all know the answer. It’s likely to grow,” the defence minister said. “So 2024 must mark an inflection point.”

He said Britain was spending more money in cash terms on defence than it ever had, adding the government was increasing funds for modernising its nuclear deterrent and replenishing stocks and should continue to do so, while studiously refusing to call directly for additional funds.

“We’ve made the critical decision to set out our aspiration to reach 2.5% of GDP on defence and as we stabilise and grow this economy, we’ll continue to strive to reach that as soon as possible,” he said.

“But now is the time for all allied and democratic nations across the world to do the same thing and ensure their defence spending is growing too,” he said in reference to those NATO members, which are not reaching the goal of spending 2% of GDP.

Asked whether the government would go beyond current spending, a spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was a matter for the finance minister but the government was expanding defence spending.

Keen to underline Britain’s engagement in the world, Shapps said Britain was committing 20,000 military personnel to serve across Europe in a major NATO exercise in the first half of this year, as well as warships and fighter jets.

He also said Britain had shown it will “step up to the plate when it is needed” through its strikes, coordinated with the United States, against the Houthis in Yemen to protect international shipping.

“We intended it as a single action and we will now monitor very carefully to see what they do next,” he said, adding such action was harder for other European countries to take.

“The United Kingdom is one of those countries which has always traditionally, and continues to, step up to the plate when it is needed.”

ALSO READ-Airstrikes against Houthis, act of self-defence, says Sunak  

Previous Story

Global Attention Peaks as Baloch Activists Meet UN Officials

Next Story

Artificial Intelligence takes centre stage in Davos

Latest from -Top News

India Strikes Deep, Flattens JeM Base

Once a key base for terrorist operations, the site has been reduced to rubble, signalling a strong response to ongoing cross-border threats…reports Asian Lite News In a significant counter-terrorism operation on Wednesday,

Retaliation Looms,Pakistan Alerts UN

On Wednesday, India retaliated against Pakistan for the terrorist attack last month that killed 26 people at Pahalgam in Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan has signaled its intent to escalate military action

LoC Shelling Turns Deadly; Evacuation Underway

Pakistan shelling started in Uri, Kupwara sectors in the Valley and Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu division….reports Asian Lite News Seven civilians lost their lives and 38 others were injured on Wednesday

India Strikes Terror Bases in Pakistan

‘Justice is served’, says Indian Army as Operation Sindoor unfolds In a significant military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, the Indian Army on Wednesday

Zero Tariffs? Trump Claims Big Win Over India

Trump Claims India to Eliminate Tariffs on U.S. Imports..reports Asian Lite News U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that India has either already removed or is in the process of removing
Go toTop

Don't Miss

29 held for pro-Palestinian protests in UK

Of those held, nine were arrested for public order offences,

Sunak calls on G7 to go faster in support of Ukraine

Sunak also confirmed that the UK stands ready to explore