Bold defence plans from Prime Minister, but where is money coming from? - The Yorkshire Post says

Funding our forces and protecting our national security must always be a top priority, which is why plans for a four-year £16.5bn increase in the nation’s defence spending are largely to be welcomed.
By YP Comment
Published 19th Nov 2020, 16:40 BST
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a statement on the defence review via video link from 10 Downing Street. Photo: House of Commons/PA WirePrime Minister Boris Johnson gives a statement on the defence review via video link from 10 Downing Street. Photo: House of Commons/PA Wire
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a statement on the defence review via video link from 10 Downing Street. Photo: House of Commons/PA Wire

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement came only a matter of weeks after the threat to the UK from terrorism was raised to the second highest level – severe – and is set against the backdrop of what he described as a “perilous” period for global security.

The increase, the biggest since the Cold War, will see the UK spend more on defence than any Nato member except the US, with the additional funding, which Labour agreed was “vital”, to be used on measures such as modernising the military.

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Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter outside the MOD headquarters in Westminster, London, following the PM's announcement on defence spending. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA WireChief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter outside the MOD headquarters in Westminster, London, following the PM's announcement on defence spending. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter outside the MOD headquarters in Westminster, London, following the PM's announcement on defence spending. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
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With the end of the Brexit transition period drawing closer, it could certainly be argued that the Prime Minister is wise to focus on defence and the future viability of the armed forces as the UK stands on its own two feet. Indeed, as Mr Johnson himself set out, “everything we do in this country – every job, every business, even how we shop and what we eat – depends on a basic minimum of global security”.

What remains to be seen, however, is quite how these ‘‘defence of the realm’’ plans are going to be paid for. Already this year, the Government has spent billions of pounds on unprecedented measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic and national debt has passed £2 trillion for the first time in history.

With intense pressure on public expenditure, calls for more cash to support the NHS and social care provision, and the sad fact that families are turning to food banks to stop their children going hungry, there will undoubtedly be those who question whether the money could be better spent elsewhere. Mr Johnson’s Government must now set out where this significant amount of defence money is coming from and how it will foot the bill.

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Related topics:Boris JohnsonYorkshire PostPrime MinisterGovernmentLabourNATOBrexitYorkshireNHS