A HUGE cash boost for Britain’s defences will not prevent more tax cuts, Rishi Sunak pledged last night.
The PM said he was not “shying away” from the choice to prioritise national security with a £75billion injection – and told other leaders to also cough up.
PARishi Sunak meeting troops in Berlin today[/caption]
GettyThe PM with German Chancellor Olaf Schloz[/caption]
Defending his plan for defence spending to hit 2.5 per cent of GDP, he said: “It is a completely funded plan. We have got a very clear idea of how to reduce civil service headcount which has grown considerably over the last few years, and we can bring that back and use that to fund what I announced yesterday.
“And alongside that, continue to invest in public services and cut people’s taxes.”
Experts have questioned how the massive uplift will be funded without taking an axe to public services.
Meanwhile economists have said the £75billion figure is only assuming defence spending had not increased with inflation per year.
Labour have come under attack for failing to match the government’s commitment on defence spending.
Shadow Cabinet Minister Emily Thornberry said they will look at reaching the target of 2.5 per cent of GDP “when circumstances allow”.
But Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer: “This morning, Labour again refused to back our plan to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.
“Instead, they want to spend years holding a review as the world gets more dangerous while refusing to act to keep the British people safe.
“This is the same old Labour Party that sent our Armed Forces into battle with appalling equipment.
“The idea they can be trusted on defence – only a few years after trying to put Jeremy Corbyn into Downing Street – is absurd.”
Mr Sunak was speaking at a press conference in Berlin with Chancellor Olaf Scholz following reports that Germany believes Britain was not pulling its weight on Ukraine support.
But any tension was swept under the carpet as both leaders were all smiles in a public display of unity yesterday.
Mr Sunak said the “bond” between their countries was shown in “Liverpool’s love of Jürgen Klopp, and Munich’s love of Harry Kane.”
However he did not bring a customary present as it emerged Mr Scholz is not a fan of gift-giving.
Mr Sunak did however urge fellow NATO countries to ramp up their defence spending.
He said it was “entirely reasonable” for the United States – and outspoken Donald Trump – to criticise nations not stumping their fair share.
Mr Sunak said: “We cannot expect Americans to pay any price, to take any burden if we in Europe are not ourselves prepared to make those sacrifices and make those investments.”