Shapps calls on Sunak to spend more on defence

Rishi Sunak should commit to spending more on defence in the Conservative general election manifesto, Grant Shapps has said, amid warnings that the UK is not ready for an all-out war with Russia.

The Defence Secretary made clear he wanted to see the 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) target in the manifesto, hours after the Prime Minister refused to say whether it would be included.

The Cabinet clash came as Lt Gen Sir Rob Magowan, deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, said that while the UK Armed Forces can “get out the door tonight” for an urgent military operation, they are not ready for an “enduring” ground war with Russia due to equipment and personnel shortages.

Giving evidence to the Liaison Committee of MPs, Mr Sunak was asked whether the 2.5 per cent target would be in the offer to voters in the general election, expected this autumn.

The Prime Minister said the Government was committed to 2.5 per cent “when economic conditions allow” but added: “We will try not to write too much of the manifesto in the here and now.” Mr Sunak also admitted that more money needed to be spent on equipment, saying: “We need to collectively up our game when it comes to defence industrial production.” Defence spending is set to be around 2.3 per cent of GDP in 2024-25.

But Mr Shapps (inset), giving evidence to the Defence Select Committee later, said: “I am very pleased we’re committed to doing it [2.5 per cent target]. Of course I urge us to do that as quickly as possible, there’s a general election coming up.” The Chancellor did not increase funds for the military in his Budget.