Streeting says he began stockpiling food weeks ago amid rising threat to UK
Defence secretary says value for money and modernisation key for spending to ‘fight the wars ahead’ The defence secretary, Wes Streeting, says he started stockpiling food and water
By The Guardian
Wes Streeting says he began stockpiling food and water weeks ago amid rising UK threat
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting says he began storing food and water at home several weeks ago in case of a national emergency.
Speaking about the growing threats facing the UK, Mr Streeting also said the Government was increasing defence spending and that value for money and modernisation would be central to preparing for future conflicts.
The comments came after Chancellor John Healey confirmed plans for defence spending to reach 3% of gross domestic product by 2030.
The Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035, in line with its Nato pledge. Detailed plans for reaching both targets are due to be set out at next year’s spending review.
Mr Healey has asked government departments to identify 1% cuts in their budgets as part of efforts to fund long-term defence investment. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that reaching 3% of GDP by 2030 could require an additional £17.3bn in 2029-30.
The Chancellor has said the funding will be developed through a combination of reviewing public spending, innovative financing and working with private-sector partners and international allies.
Mr Streeting said defence spending must be used effectively, with modernisation needed to ensure the UK is equipped for the wars ahead.
Further details on how the spending targets will be funded are expected in the next spending review.