Ben Wallace Advocates for Next Government to Allocate 3 Percent of GDP for Defense Spending
Both Labour and the Conservatives have committed to spending 2.5 percent of GDP on defence, but former minister Mr. Wallace is urging them to increase that amount.
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has called for the next government to allocate 3 percent of GDP to defence.
In April, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2030.
While Labour also vows to reach the 2.5 percent mark “as soon as possible,” Mr. Wallace argues that this figure falls short.
Mr. Wallace emphasized on BBC Radio 4’s “World At One” program, stating, “As the threat increases towards the end of the decade, I propose, as others have, that we should aim to spend 3 percent of GDP by then.”
He stressed the importance of a progressive approach to reaching this target, cautioning against simply allocating large sums that may not be effectively utilized by the defense department.
Mr. Wallace, who was replaced as defence secretary by Grant Shapps in August 2023, defended his decision to reduce the size of the British Army to its lowest level in history, citing insufficient funding for its operations stretching back to when he served in the army in 1991.
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He criticized governments for consistently reducing defence spending since the Cold War, leading to a weakening of the army. He viewed this as a tactic employed by both Labour and Conservative administrations to conceal their true intentions.
Mr. Wallace remarked, “Governments were more interested in appearances like the Red Arrows, and Trooping the Colour. Even Tony Blair’s government sent the army to the Iraq war without adequate funding.” He is stepping down as an MP in the upcoming election.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, in a speech at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, emphasized the party’s commitment to defense. He asserted, “Within the first year of a Labour government, we will conduct a new strategic defence review.”
Sir Keir reiterated, “We are fully dedicated to allocating 2.5 percent of GDP to defence as soon as possible because our security is not just crucial for today but critical for our future prosperity. National security and economic security must be intertwined,” he emphasized.
Starmer: ‘We Have to Be Fit to Fight’
Sir Keir stated, “We currently have the smallest army since Napoleon, while other nations are ramping up their military readiness. Even as we strive for peace, we must remain prepared for conflict.”
He added, “This Labour Party is completely committed to the nation’s security, our armed forces, and, importantly, our nuclear deterrent.”
When asked about the circumstances under which he would deploy the UK’s nuclear deterrent, he maintained, “That information is highly confidential.”
He added, “A serious prime minister would not divulge such details. The nuclear deterrent is essential for safeguarding the nation’s security. That’s why Labour is committed to maintaining Britain’s continuous at-sea deterrent, ensuring all necessary upgrades, and constructing four new nuclear submarines.”
Shapps Claims Starmer Lacks Courage
However, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps criticized Sir Keir’s speech as “hollow.” He highlighted, “Starmer’s foreign secretary pick, David Lammy, has labeled the UK’s nuclear deterrent as ‘senseless,’ undermining the notion of a Labour transformation.”
Shapps concluded, “It’s evident that Starmer lacks the fortitude to defend Britain’s security.”
Shadow defence secretary John Healey defended Sir Keir by emphasizing the departure from Jeremy Corbyn’s stance on defence. He mentioned, “Jeremy Corbyn is a thing of the past. The Labour Party, under Keir Starmer, has evolved just as the world has evolved.”
Mr. Healey clarified on LBC, “Jeremy Corbyn is no longer in the picture. The Labour Party has transformed under Keir Starmer, recognizing the paramount duty of any government to ensure the country’s safety and protect its citizens.”
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One candidate, Fred Thomas, a former Royal Marine, is contesting against Johnny Mercer from the Conservatives, a former special forces soldier who currently serves as veterans’ minister.
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PA Media contributed to this report.
