Local MP Alan Mak has called on the Labour Government to cut welfare spending so we can invest more in our Armed Forces.
Conservatives like Alan used an Opposition Day Debate in Parliament to force a vote urging the Government to cut welfare to fund defence. But Labour put party over country to block it.
Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns have both resigned from the Government, condemning Labour's Defence Investment Plan as inadequately funded and insufficient.
Mr Mak said: "Britain faces an unprecedented level of risk to our national security with war in Ukraine and war in Iran. We need strong defence more now than we have needed it in a very long time. Our national security is fundamental to our prosperity.
"There is a consensus that our military is not ready for war. The Chief of the Defence Staff has said that the Ministry of Defence needs an extra £28 billion. Labour has allowed defence to go underfunded while welfare spending has ballooned by £19.8 billion in the past year.
He added: "At the same time, I know people in our community are proud of our armed forces and they know that we need to put more money in defence and bring defence spending to three per cent of GDP this Parliament, rather than Labour’s target of the next Parliament – potentially as late as 2034."
Conservatives have set out key steps towards three per cent, including reinstating the two-child benefit cap and using billions from Net Zero to create a Sovereign Defence Fund. They have also restated their offer to work together with Labour in the national interest to achieve it.
Mr Mak said: "My constituents are alarmed by the growing threats Britain faces. And they are also alarmed by the growing welfare bill that is absorbing public resources and stopping us from funding our defence.
"The threats we face are getting more and more serious. That is why I voted to demand the Government cuts welfare and gives our Armed Forces the backing they need to keep us safe."
