Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Forces head in cash plea
THE head of the armed forces yesterday warned Rishi Sunak not to slash spending on the military.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin revealed he and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace held talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt about funding last week.
Sir Tony said: “We need continued investment over the long term. I welcome the conversations we can have with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor and accompanying the Defence Secretary.
“These are serious economic times but they are also serious security times with a war in Europe. Both must be dealt with.”
Liz Truss had pledged to lift defence spending from 2.12% of GDP to 2.5% by 2026 and 3% by 2030. However It is unclear if Mr Sunak will stick to her promise when Mr Hunt unveils the Autumn Statement on Thursday.