Can Britain afford to skimp on its armed forces?

David Cameron has come under pressure to increase spending on Britain's armed forces following criticism from senior American military figures.

MoneyWeek's avatar
By
published
in Features

733-map

But a study by the Royal United Services Institute says that it is inevitable that spending will fall below that level and warns that 30,000 more military personnel could lose their jobs.

Further cuts would be catastrophic for Britain, for our foreign policy, and for our national prestige", says the former home secretary, David Davis, in The Guardian.

We now have fewer active RAF squadrons than at any time since the cold war, at a time when Russia is making "near daily incursions towards our airspace". Balancing the budget is important, but "defence of the realm is any government's first duty".

Article continues below

Try 6 free issues of MoneyWeek today

Get unparalleled financial insight, analysis and expert opinion you can profit from.

Start your trial
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
MoneyWeek
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.