Why did it take Rishi Sunak so long to up defence spending?
Spectator (UK)APR 25 2024
UK PM Promises to Boost UK Defence Spending to 2.5% by 2030
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Increased defense spending will solidify the UK's presence as a major global military power. European and British security is synonymous, and the UK's army continues to maintain its long history of stepping up when asked. The UK will continue to ensure that its citizens, NATO, and the world remain safe from the threats posed by Russia among many others.
Establishment-critical narrative
Increased spending is not a solution if economic mismanagement is the problem. It is likely that increased funds will come directly from further cuts to vital UK sectors such as health, education, and welfare. If the UK wants to improve its military capacity, it must firstly address the structural issues that continue to cripple the country.