Penny Mordaunt has issued a stark national security reminder to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt after it emerged the Ministry of Defence would not be receiving any funding boosts in next week’s Budget.
Mordaunt, a former navy reserve, said the government’s “first duty is to protect our nation” amid growing concerns over military spending.
In a statement on social media, Mordaunt said: “Met with the Chancellor to reiterate what Portsmouth’s families and businesses need to hear in the Budget.
“I discussed the work I’m doing with UK civil reserve and others to deliver a greater return for our defence and contingency budgets and increase capability. Our first duty is to protect our nation and its interests.”
Mordaunt’s warning comes amid an MoD funding row
Penny Mordaunt/X
Reports that the MoD would not qualify for extra funds sparked fury among senior figures – not one, but two former defence secretaries slammed the move, and expressed concerns over the UK armed forces’ capability.
Sir Gavin Williamson said Britain would be “ill-equipped to face the challenges that our enemies are increasingly presenting us with” if defence spending didn’t increase.
Ben Wallace, defence secretary before the incumbent Grant Shapps, echoed his predecessor’s statement and said the “hollowed-out” military would not be “match fit” without a funding boost.
Mordaunt issued a further warning online about the navy, a key concern for her constituency, Portsmouth, saying: “The Royal Navy and its partners must keep pace with the growing capabilities of other nations. If not, Britain’s interests cannot be secured.”
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