Tory MPs defy Cameron on army spending freeze
A new poll shows MPs believe the armed forces are 'stretched to capacity' and reveals cross-party support for defence spending increase. 90 per cent of Tory MPs defy Cameron's call for a defence spending freeze
A poll by ComRes for the United Kingdom National Defence Association (UKNDA) shows that a third of Gordon Brown's backbenchers say defence spending should rise and 90 per cent of Conservative MPs defy Cameron's call for a defence spending freeze
The poll shows over half of all MPs (54%) believe that spending on our armed forces should rise. This includes more than a third (36%) of Labour MPs.
Almost three quarters of Labour MPs (73%) argue that Britain's Armed Forces are currently stretched to capacity and will not be able to take on any additional responsibilities without an increase in resources.
Support for a boost to the defence budget is strongest on the Opposition benches, with nine out of 10 Conservatives (91%) backing an increase, despite Shadow Chancellor George Osborne's refusal to make commitments on defence in advance of the General Election.
Commander John Muxworthy, UKNDA Chief Executive, commented: "This is not a party political issue. MPs of all parties recognise that our armed forces are severely over-stretched and that spending needs to rise to address the chronic under-funding at a time when they are heavily deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our servicemen and their families are paying a heavy price for official neglect of the Nation's defence.
"Funding for Britain's armed forces must increase as a matter of urgency. The funding decisions taken over the next two years, before and after the General Election, will have a far-reaching impact on the ability of our forces to defend this Nation and its interests."
The survey also showed that at a time when support is growing for an annual 'Armed Forces Day' to recognise and celebrate the role of Britain's army, navy and air force, a majority of MPs from across the political spectrum believes that the public does not yet have a good understanding of the demands placed on our armed forces.
UKNDA this week launches a nation-wide 'Support our Armed Forces' campaign www.supportourarmedforces.org.uk to mobilise public support for the armed forces and a renewal of the Nation's Covenant with the military.
