Cameron set for headache over defence
TORY MPs will tomorrow warn David Cameron not to cut defence spending when the issue comes up for debate in the House.
Many Tory MPs are concerned that Britain will not meet its Nato commitment to spend two per cent of GDP on defence.
The debate to push for two per cent funding has been brought by Tory John Baron, who will say: “At a time when countries not necessarily friendly to the West are increasing their defence spending and becoming more assertive, we need to rediscover the political will for strong defence.”
Another Conservative supporter of the motion, Philip Hollobone, told City A.M.: “I think it would be disgraceful were a Conservative government not to commit to spending at least two per cent of our economy on defence.”
The MPs are clear that two per cent is a minimum level. Hollobone said: “If the world gets more dangerous, then we should look to be increasing beyond two per cent.”
Not all who want defence to be funded at this level are Tories. Lib Dem Sir Bob Russell, MP for the garrison town of Colchester, is supporting the campaign.