Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake has backed his party’s call for increased defence spending to be funded in part through reductions in welfare spending.
The proposal was raised during an Opposition Day debate in Parliament, where the Conservatives tabled a motion calling on the Government to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP during this Parliament. The party argues the additional funding should come from measures including reinstating the two-child benefit cap and redirecting money from net zero spending into a sovereign defence fund.
In a statement, the Conservatives said Britain faces growing security threats, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and argued that defence spending should be prioritised over rising welfare costs. The party said there are around 1,120 people claiming welfare in the Thirsk and Malton constituency and described current levels of spending as unsustainable.
The Conservatives also criticised Labour’s handling of defence funding, claiming the Government had failed to provide sufficient investment for the armed forces. The party said its motion was blocked by Labour MPs during the Opposition Day debate.
Mr Hollinrake said: “People in Thirsk and Malton and across the country are alarmed by the growing threats Britain faces. And they are also alarmed by the growing welfare bill, that is absorbing public resources and stopping us from funding our defence.
“The threats we face are getting more and more serious. That is why I voted to demand the Government cuts welfare and gives our Armed Forces the backing they need to keep us safe.”
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