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>>Reeves' £2bn boost for weapons & military homes >>But she faces fury over cuts to disabled and sick

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RACHEL Reeves insists spending more on defence will not only make Britain a safer place in our times of uncertainty but also prove a major boost to an economy left in tatters by 14 years of Tory rule.

And the Chancellor vowed not to back down in the face of a growing threats from the likes of volatile Vladimir Putin, as she prepares to announce an extra £2.2billion for defence and military homes from next month. That is on top of the £2.9bn unveiled in October's Budget.

It will be paid for by controversial cuts to the foreign aid budget announced last month.

But the move comes amid fury at Labour's plans to axe £5bn from disability and sickness aid, which campaigners fear could push the unfit into work and plunge others already struggling with the cost of living into poverty.

And Ms Reeves faced protests last night outside the Treasury demanding she taxes the super-rich rather than target the vulnerable - as an Oxfam survey found 77% of the public would back a wealth duty.

But, defending her decision, the Chancellor said: "The number one priority of any government has got to be to keep its citizens safe and secure.