Labour defence spending and Troubles Bill veterans concerns debated

Defence spending and the treatment of veterans under the Troubles Bill were the focus of a heated panel discussion this week, as critics questioned whether the government is matching its rhetoric on national security with money and legislation.

The discussion heard claims that a minister who had previously demanded more defence spending was now in charge of the purse strings and was not providing the money. One panellist said the government was not spending anywhere near 3% on defence, while another argued that even 3.5% would be puny against the Russian threat. The panel said the stated aim was 3% by 2030 but that the real ask was 5%, pointing to Poland spending around 8% and Estonia and Lithuania spending 7% to 8%.

John Healey, the new Defence Secretary, was described as someone who understands the need for defence and the changing nature of warfare. The discussion nonetheless returned to the gap between that recognition and funding, with sharp criticism of the Prime Minister's remarks on national security and social security. One contributor said the defence of the realm should be the first priority.

A major part of the debate concerned veterans of the Troubles. One speaker said the Troubles Bill would allow former soldiers to be approached 50 years after serving in Northern Ireland and taken through the courts. They said this could drive some veterans to self-harm or suicide. The Sunday Times investigation into veterans' experiences was welcomed, and Al Carns, described as a military veteran and former Labour minister, was said to have described some veterans' suffering as egregious. The discussion went on to call the particular case disturbing. The speaker said campaigners call the legislation the veterans bill and have been trying to stop it.

The panel also discussed armed forces morale and recruitment. One contributor claimed morale had suffered and that many veterans would not join today, while another said the contribution of the armed forces should be celebrated and that the army and other services need to grow. The exchange ended with a defence of the military's legal accountability: the panel said British soldiers operate under the law and documented rules, which distinguishes them from the IRA, while arguing that the current treatment of veterans is disturbing. The discussion also touched on Sinn Fein MPs having offices and access to Parliament despite not taking their seats, with one contributor calling the situation frightening.