James Cartlidge demands prioritization of defence over all else
- James Cartlidge emphasizes the urgent need for a funded defense procurement plan to replenish munitions due to increased threats in Europe.
- The UK has committed £7.8 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began.
- Cartlidge warns that the freeze on defense procurement will hinder the UK's military readiness and stresses a need for collective European military spending.
In the context of increasing military threats in Europe, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions with Iran, James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, emphasizes the need for urgent military procurement funding to replenish munitions. The UK has committed a significant amount of military assistance to Ukraine, pledging £7.8 billion since the war began, which includes providing tanks and air defense systems. As significant stockpiles have been sent to support Ukraine, Cartlidge highlights the risk to the UK's own military readiness. Despite the urgent situation, Cartlidge critiques the current government's decision to freeze defense procurement for the financial year, arguing that this move will hinder the ability to restock vital munitions. He points to the Iran-backed Houthis threatening British ships in the Red Sea as evidence that war is imminent and that the UK must act quickly to enhance its military capacity. He also notes that early investment in defense spending would boost the domestic defense industry, enabling timely procurement of necessary munitions. The shadow defence secretary also reflects on the existing challenges in military infrastructure, particularly with aging programs like Watchkeeper. While he supports cutting-edge developments in uncrewed systems, he maintains that the UK’s nuclear deterrent should remain a priority. Furthermore, Cartlidge calls for collective military spending across Europe to enhance the military-industrial capacity necessary to respond to current threats, ensuring that countries can strengthen their armed forces without falling behind in technological advancements. Cartlidge contrasts the Conservatives' proactive measures, such as providing munitions to Ukraine ahead of its invasion by Russia, with the current inability to maintain proper military support for the UK. He asserts that the Ministry of Defence must show urgency in addressing these procurement challenges, encouraging a strategic view of the UK's role in global defense, particularly in collaboration with NATO and the US. He emphasizes that the urgency of addressing procurement inefficiencies cannot be overstated in a time of heightened global military tension.