Political opinion: Defence spending must start with our people

The Government's recently announced defence spending plans have been presented as a major commitment to Britain's security. Yet despite the headlines and the promises, many of us with first-hand military experience are left questioning whether those responsible for shaping these plans truly understand the realities facing today's Armed Forces.

The recent resignation of former Defence Minister Alistair Carns, himself a veteran, has only added to concerns that there remains significant disagreement within Government over the direction of defence policy. Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary has sought to reassure the public that the plans are sufficient and fit for purpose. From where I stand, however, there are serious questions that remain unanswered.

As veteran and a serving Reform UK councillor, I recently had the opportunity to view accommodation currently occupied by serving soldiers. What I saw was deeply disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable for a modern professional military.

I saw dirty toilets, stained and worn mattresses, damaged walls, broken furniture and living conditions that would not be considered acceptable in many civilian workplaces. Standing in those barrack rooms, I found myself asking a simple question: how can we expect young men and women to dedicate their lives to serving this country when we cannot even provide them with clean, decent accommodation?

Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices. They spend long periods away from their families, accept the risks that come with military service and stand ready to defend our nation whenever called upon. The least we can do is ensure they live in conditions that reflect the respect and value we place upon their service.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated that the nature of warfare is changing rapidly. Modern battlefields are increasingly dominated by relatively inexpensive technologies such as drones, electronic warfare systems, and advanced surveillance equipment. Traditional military doctrine is being rewritten in real time as armies adapt to these new threats and opportunities.

British soldiers will need to be equipped, trained and prepared for this new era of warfare. They must be able to adapt quickly and operate effectively in increasingly complex environments.

However, there is a contradiction at the heart of current defence policy. How can we expect our soldiers to embrace innovation, master new technologies and maintain the highest levels of professionalism when many do not even receive the basic standards of accommodation they deserve? Morale, welfare, and operational effectiveness are closely linked. Neglect one and eventually the others suffer.

Adding to these concerns is the fact that many serving personnel today are expected to pay for their own meals. While this may be accepted as part of the current system, it represents a significant change from the Armed Forces I served in.

During my time in the Household Cavalry, accommodation standards were generally well maintained, and soldiers were provided with meals prepared by the Army Catering Corps. The quality was often excellent; the food was nutritious and there was a clear understanding that looking after soldiers was an essential part of maintaining an effective fighting force.

The Army Catering Corps may no longer exist in its former form, but the principle remains just as important today as it was then: if you want first-class soldiers, you must provide first-class support.

Defence spending should never be viewed solely through the lens of weapons systems, procurement contracts, and headline-grabbing announcements. Investing in people is just as important as investing in equipment.

Of course, Britain must modernise its Armed Forces, strengthen its capabilities and prepare for future threats. But a portion of any new defence budget should be ring-fenced specifically for improving the welfare, accommodation, and day-to-day living conditions of serving personnel.

Better barracks, cleaner facilities, improved maintenance, higher accommodation standards, and greater support for service personnel would not simply improve morale; they would send a clear message that Britain values those who wear its uniform.

Our soldiers deserve more than warm words from politicians. They deserve decent living conditions, proper support and the respect that comes from meaningful investment in their welfare.

If the Government is serious about strengthening Britain's defence, it should start by looking after the people who defend it. I will be highlighting this issue to our local MPs to make representation to Government.