Speaking at Treasury Questions as Shadow Treasury Minister, James Wild MP challenged government ministers on the rising benefits bill and delayed defence investments.
James raised concerns about the government’s defence spending plans pointing out that the Chancellor had delayed the New Medium Helicopter Programme, setting back a vital contract for the UK defence industry and putting 3,000 jobs at risk. At the same time welfare spending is set to hit £406 billion by the end of this Parliament and the government has failed to control spending.
Speaking in the House of Commons James Wild MP said:
“The Chancellor said, “National security always comes first”, but she delayed the helicopter contract for our industrial base and we know that she is blocking the defence investment plan.
Labour’s former Defence Secretary and secretary general of NATO, Lord Robertson, said, “We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.”
He is right, so why is the Chancellor failing to grip the benefits bill and invest in our defence?”
James has consistently supported welfare reforms to help people back into work and directing savings towards defence investments.
