Rishi Sunak has been urged to ditch Liz Truss' plan of raising military spending by 60% by 2030.

 

Sunak reappointed Ben Wallace as Defence Secretary this afternoon, prompting speculation that he would give into Wallace's demands on the issue. Last week, Wallace was reported to be ready to resign from Liz Truss' government if she did not retain her commitment to raising 'defence' spending to 3% of national income - effectively an increase of 60% on current levels.

 

The Peace Pledge Union (PPU), Britain's leading pacifist group, said that the policy would represent a handout for arms dealers at a time when millions of people are struggling to pay the bills.

 

The UK already has the fourth highest military expenditure in the world.

 

Research published last month by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) found that Truss' promise of raising 'defence' spending to e% of national income by 2030 represents a 60% increase on current levels and will cost £157bn.

 

The PPU said that increasing military spending will not make people in the UK any more secure, help people suffering in Ukraine or prevent future wars.

 

They suggested that funding public services, housing and healthcare would do more to make people's lives secure, as well as tackling the climate emergency and ending arms deals.

 

Symon Hill, Campaigns Manager of the Peace Pledge Union (PPU), said:

"If you're struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, missing meals to feed your children or shivering because it's too expensive to turn the heat on, then your life won't be made better or safer by warships, missiles and larger armed forces.

"Only somebody too privileged to worry about the cost of living could think that security is about having more weapons. 'Defence' spending is a euphemism, as it doesn't cover defence against many of the most serious threats that we face, including poverty, pandemics and climate chaos.

"The UK government and other NATO members have poured billions of pounds into military spending in recent years, but this failed to stop Putin's vile invasion of Ukraine. History shows time and again that preparing for war doesn't bring peace."