TaxPayers’ Alliance responds to announcement of an increase in defence spending

Responding to reports that the prime minister is set to announce an increase in defence spending, John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:

“In a time of escalating global threats, taxpayers will appreciate the need for a boost to the UK's military capabilities.

“But the ministry of defence's recent record doesn't inspire optimism that extra funding will be used as efficiently and effectively as the public expects.

“Ministers must ensure that extra cash doesn't simply go towards plugging the black hole in the defence budget, and that there is a genuine focus on using both existing and new money more responsibly.”