Ex-Army Chief Warns of UK's Defence Spending Priorities
Lord Houghton of Richmond, former head of the British Army, has expressed concerns that the UK is prioritising welfare spending over defence spending amidst the Russian threat.
The financial picture for the armed forces is "dire"
Lord Houghton, who served as chief of defence staff between 2013 and 2016, believes that NATO is not providing sufficient support to Ukraine, and that the UK's decision-making process still resembles "peacetime planning".
- The former Army chief has called on the Government to increase defence funding.
- He warns that without proper backing for Ukraine, a ceasefire could lead to humiliation for the country and embarrassment for Western governments, while emboldening Russia.
Author's summary: UK defence spending is insufficient amidst Russian threats.