DEFENCE

GROWING numbers of Tory MPs are joining senior defence chiefs in calling for a major increase in funding for the Armed Forces.

Last month General Sir Gordon Messenger, the vice-chief of the defence staff, said Britain faced the prospect of defeat in future military conflicts unless the Ministry of Defence gets more cash.

Theresa May has committed her Government to raising defence spending by at least two per cent every year throughout the current parliamentary term.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has repeatedly pressed the Treasury for more cash. The shortfall in the budget has been estimated at up to £30billion over the next decade.