Ben Wallace urges Rishi Sunak to invest in defense 'as world becomes more and more unstable'

Mr. Wallace said the Department of Defense is «back on track to being world class again with world class people.» No. 39; Photo: Alexander Zemlyanchenko

Ben Wallace insisted that «now is the time to invest» in the Armed Forces when he stepped down from Rishi Sunak's cabinet on Thursday.

The outgoing defense secretary said Downing Street should «not go back to the days» when spending on the army was «considered as discretionary».

In his resignation letter, he told the prime minister «I know you agree with me» about the need for more funding as the world becomes «more unstable».

Mr Wallace resigned on Thursday morning after four years in office, having already announced his intention to step down as MP in the next election.

During the Boris Johnson era, the former Secretary of Defense and Mr Sunak then Chancellor regularly argued over the UK military budget .

But in a carefully orchestrated email exchange, the couple revealed that they are now on the same page about the need to increase spending.

> Mr. Wallace said that he and the Prime Minister «both share the conviction that now is the time to invest»; Photo: Anthony Upton

Mr Wallace praised the Prime Minister for «the investment you have made in defense as Chancellor and the continued support you have provided.»

He said the extra money «has been key to making the Department of Defense able to provide assistance to the UK», adding: «I am personally very grateful for your leadership.»

«The Department of Defense is once again on its way to become world class with world class people,” he wrote to Mr. Sunak.

“The United Kingdom is respected around the world for our Armed Forces. and this respect has only increased after the war in Ukraine.

“I know you agree with me that we should not go back to the days when defense was viewed as a government discretionary spending and savings came from devastation.

He added: “I sincerely believe that over the next decade the world will become more insecure and unstable. We both share the belief that now is the time to invest.”

The Prime Minister said Mr. Wallace was “a strong supporter of the defense of the kingdom” and stressed the planned increase in military spending to 2.5. percent of GDP.

“I am pleased that over the years we have worked together to put the defense budget on a sustainable basis and ensure that the armed forces will have the necessary resources in the coming years.

“As the updated comprehensive review, we will move away from the basic obligation to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense to a new goal of reaching 2.5% of GDP.”

The couple had previously disagreed over plans for defense spending. additional spending on the armed forces.

Last July, Mr. Wallace, who supported Liz Truss in the leadership of the Conservative Party, reported that Mr. Sunak was trying to block a «vital» increase in spending.

He said the Treasury opposed a multi-year increase by the £16bn announced by Downing Street in 2020 and instead pushed for a one-time raise.

The then Secretary of Defense said Johnson should have 'made his mark'. his power» over his chancellor to «make sure that's exactly what happened.»

«I really want whoever becomes the next prime minister to invest in defense. But the Treasury has resisted the prime minister's ambition to have that figure at 2.5 percent,” he added.

Mr Sunak announced in March that over the next two years, an additional £5bn and set We aim to reach 2.5% «in the long run».