I've Yet To Hear The Argument About The Increase In Defence Spending

[Paigntonian]

that Boris announced late last year. It was a ten percent rise across the board and vastly more, in percentage terms, than any other government department. I am not necessarily against it but, to put it simply, why?

[bobbinwales]

One recollection is that it includes some spending that used to be under control of the foreign aid budget. Another is that it was to make a massive investment in cyber security work as that is a growing threat

[Canary42]

To channel even more of the poor taxpayers money into the pockets of Boris's rich cronies, for them to store tax-free Offshore.

[bobbinwales]

AA knew we'd be able to rely on canary for a fuller indepth analysis

[Bobbisox1]

It was for any Cyber attacks we might take , apparently there's thousands of them

[jno]

perhaps to impress Trump that we were taking responsibility for defence: he was known to be unimpressed with EU defence arrangements.

Personally, I've never been convinced that the Soviets, or anyone else, are likely to invade; but there does seem to be a growing threat of cyber attack, as Bobb and Bobbi [what a pair!] have said. But does that come under defence or the FCO?

[shoota]

China's aggressive attitude towards Taiwan, Australia and India may have something to do with it.

[Spungle]

Not the only reason by far, but the creation of 10,000 jobs is surely a welcome benefit. In contrast to a Corbyn government that was utterly useless on defence, the current government are investing in British shipbuilding, by creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs in UK shipyards.

This funding has come alongside a commitment to finance the UK’s order of 8 Type 26 and 5 Type 31 frigates, which are currently being constructed on the Clyde, creating thousands of jobs, whilst also building the next generation of warships – the Type 32 – here in the UK.

[Atheist]

Spungle, is it a bit worrying if the ships are to be built in Scotland?

[Spungle]

I think that the fact that the British people believe in our Armed Forces and don't believe in equipping our troops with the very best. Another significant reason to increase the defence budget is the creation of the National Cyber Force which will be a joint unit between the MoD and GCHQ, protecting us from cyberattack but will also deploy offensive capabilities against adversaries.

On top of this, the creation of the new ‘Space Command’, with the first rocket launched from Scotland by 2022, following through on the Tories manifesto promise to deliver the UK’s first UK Space command based at the RAF High Wycombe. Space Command will give the UK the capability to deploy weapons and military satellites without relying on other nations.

[Spungle]

Thanks Atheist, the Scots would be lost without the investment made in defence. The equipment could be made at other sites in the UK, but it is a major boost for Glasgow and for the Scottish economy, in what is otherwise a deprived area. Scotland needs the UK.

[Spungle]

Also, it's common knowledge many of the very best crack troops are from Scottish regiments, the UK needs Scotland.

[bobbinwales]

//Bobbi [what a pair!]//
Thats a bit personal isnt it?

[Paigntonian]

Spungle; We did not have a Corbyn government.

[Sunk]

In the 10 years since the Conservative’s came to power, spending on defence has been severely cut.
Under Labour it had gone up hugely, mainly because they kept signing us up the America’s wars.

With the modest increase announced by Boris, maybe he knows of a forthcoming war that we will enthusiastically join up to.

I think Spungle should study this graph:
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1/2018/06/26/11/wire-3429630-1530009589-706_634x513.jpg

[Spungle]

Very interesting, Sunk- so are you suggesting defence spend should increase or decrease? Personally, I think it's about right.

[Sunk]

Spungle

After 10 years of spending going down, It should be increased just to keep it viable. Unfortunately now does not seem like a good time. But in principle, it should behigher.

[Spungle]

Yes. Investing in defence makes good practical and economic sense.

[Paigntonian]

Not sure guys on here are correct. While the percentage of GNP expended on defence may have gone down real spending (after inflation) has gone up.

[Spungle]

The government are meeting and exceeding their manifesto commitment and exceeding the NATO defence spending target of 2% of GDP - by providing an extra £16.5 billion in funding above their 2019 manifesto commitment. Hope this helps!