Defence secretary says he began emergency food stockpiles as spending targets rise
Defence secretary Wes Streeting told the Guardian he started stockpiling food and water weeks ago amid a rising threat to the United Kingdom.
Defence secretary Wes Streeting told the Guardian he started stockpiling food and water weeks ago amid a rising threat to the United Kingdom. He said value for money and modernisation are key for defence spending to “fight the wars ahead”. Streeting made the remarks after Chancellor John Healey said he wants defence spending to reach 3% of GDP by 2030 and 3.5% by 2035, and has asked Whitehall departments to find 1% cuts in their budgets for long‑term investment to fund the increase. The defence secretary added that his department has already begun ramping up its spending in response to the threats. He linked the personal stockpiling to the broader need for preparedness as the government pursues higher defence funding.
Why it matters
The statements highlight the UK’s preparation for possible emergencies while the government pushes for a significant rise in defence spending, which could affect public sector budgets.
Key details
- Location
- United Kingdom · Europe
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- UK, Wes Streeting, John Healey, GDP
- Section
- Politics
Sources
This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:
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