Grant Shapps backs move to boost the UK's defence spending to 3% of GDP to ... trends now
Grant Shapps last night threw his weight behind the push to increase military spending to 3 per cent of GDP.
In a bold move which put further pressure on Rishi Sunak, the Defence Secretary said more cash was needed to match the threat posed by Vladimir Putin, adding: 'I want a bigger budget.'
As he travelled to Poland, a Nato partner which already spends 4 per cent of GDP on defence, Mr Shapps described his vision for a properly funded Armed Forces – including an overhaul of the 'ludicrous' recruitment process.
His call is a major boost for the Mail's campaign to increasing spending on Britain's military budget.
Currently the UK spends 2.27 per cent of gross domestic product on defence. Last night, Mr Shapps said he was in favour of spending 3 per cent and called for its inclusion in the Conservatives' election manifesto.
Grant Shapps speaks during a join press conference with Polish Defence Minister after their meeting on a military training compound next to Orzysz, North-Eastern Poland, on March 13
In a bold move which put further pressure on Rishi Sunak, the Defence Secretary threw his weight behind the push to increase military spending to 3 per cent of GDP (Stock image)
Mr Shapps described his vision for a properly funded Armed Forces – including an overhaul of the 'ludicrous' recruitment process (Stock image)
He said: 'I have coined the phrase 'moving from post-war to pre-war'. We have to be much better prepared.£2bn deal to buy 14 Chinooks
'Defence is the best way to protect ourselves against a military conflict – you have to show your adversaries, so I am clearly in favour [of 3 per cent]. We live in a more dangerous world, we've got Putin on the frontline making gains.'
Mr Shapps
