ARMY CHIEF: USE AID TO HALT PUTIN
Cash needed for ships, jets
FOREIGN aid money should be spent on protecting Britain from war with Russia, says the former head of the Army.
Prime Minister Theresa May last week promised to continue spending 0.7% of national income on the £13billion handout scheme.
But General Lord Dannatt said while the Government is “struggling to find worthwhile causes” the Armed Forces need new kit to counter Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
He said a priority was to keep troops in Germany and demonstrate that a postBrexit Britain will play “a leading role in the security of Europe.”
Dannatt says armoured vehicles, frigates, destroyers, submarines and RAF fighter jets and helicopters are needed to improve Britain’s defence. Service chiefs said an extra £1billion would solve most short-term problems.
Gen Lord Dannatt believes redirecting foreign aid cash is the perfect solution, especially as the budget is under constant fire amid claims of waste and misuse by governments such as North Korea, Somalia and South Sudan.
Lord Dannatt went on: “Keeping our last brigade in Germany would provide a strong message for a Brexit Prime Minister.
“While it might have seemed sensible 10 years ago to bring all our troops home, we are living in a more uncertain Europe.
“And it is easier to send troops to Eastern Europe from Germany than from Britain.”