PM Waters Down Plan For Higher Defence Spending
The Independent|July 05, 2022
Boris Johnson has watered down his target for higher defence spending made only four days ago, calling it a “prediction” and not a firm commitment.
Rob Merrick
PM Waters Down Plan For Higher Defence Spending

The prime minister raised alarm on the Tory benches when he said it is “likely” the UK will be spending 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030 – and then hinted it will depend on “the size” of the economy then.

Mark Harper, a former Conservative chief whip, told him last week’s announcement had “appeared to be really quite solid”, but no longer did so after his Commons statement.

“Is it a commitment? And, secondly, how are we going to pay for it? Because you have to have a credible plan to pay for it. Are we going to put up taxes?” Mr Harper asked.

This story is from the July 05, 2022 edition of The Independent.

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This story is from the July 05, 2022 edition of The Independent.

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