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Original poster

Would you pay more tax to boost defence spending

494 replies

trainermush · 20/02/2025 17:42

Obviously we are now in a more precarious position & defence spending has been underfunded for some time. RR had just said we need to spend more money & she will but without breaking her fiscal rules,

"So we will stick to our fiscal rules. But recognising the priority of defence spending in the world that we live in today means that we will have to make difficult choices so that we can spend that money that is needed to keep our country safe."

Mulling it over & even though I think I pay enough tax I would pay more each month towards this (cut back in other areas) as opposed to labour cutting back on something else. I guess thinking about my dc & other loved ones has changed my mind somewhat now things appear more bleak. What do others think?
Conscription of young people terrifies me even though my dc are too young.

OP posts:
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TwinklyPearlPoster · 20/02/2025 18:16

Pokadotspink · 20/02/2025 18:03

so what some are saying if Russia invaded then they would be the first to allow our country to surrender due to not wanting to fund our countrys defences ?

No, not really

Russia will not invade us

They don’t have the ships and men to do so

From their perspective it is more efficient to interfere with our political process

Ramping up defence spending to counter a threat of Russian invasion is likely to be a waste of money

Onlyonekenobe · 20/02/2025 18:16

trainermush · 20/02/2025 18:09

@Onlyonekenobe yeah the billionaires will be the one group exempt but what can you do.

What can you do?

Do you have a child of drafting age? What would you do if Musk's or Trump's kids don't have to fight, and your child is killed in battle?

Where is this apathy coming from?

ConstantCringing · 20/02/2025 18:15

Esmeraldaemerald · 20/02/2025 17:45

Yes of course - I would hope it was a no brainer to be honest - the world is a dangerous place now … my DC are doing their GCSEs I mentioned at dinner last night it might be an idea to think about conscription proof professions

You'll spend more on defence as long as it's someone else's kids doing the defending, eh?

WonderingAboutThus · 20/02/2025 18:14

Fucking hell, yes, I want more defence spending. If we think we can't afford to prepare for war we sure as hell wouldn't be able to afford the actual war that's then much more likely.

Lovemybunnies · 20/02/2025 18:12

Absolutely. My DH is Army and says it’s essential.

Esmeraldaemerald · 20/02/2025 18:11

I fear it may be too late already - presumably it takes time to build the arms and infrastructure we need. - I doubt Russia and the US is going to wait nicely while we do

Original poster
trainermush · 20/02/2025 18:09

@Onlyonekenobe yeah the billionaires will be the one group exempt but what can you do.

OP posts:
Pokadotspink · 20/02/2025 18:09

Onlyonekenobe · 20/02/2025 18:08

Yes if the billionaires pay it, to make up for all the tax breaks they e received thus far. No, if it's teachers and nurses and doctors who pay for it.

But let me guess. The billionaires will be excused from paying and decamp to their bunkers, their children will develop bone spurs to excuse them from the draft; sons and daughters of teachers and nurses will be drafted and their parents will pay higher taxes. Because that's what ALWAYS happens.

well yes to a t, personally you know the majority of the public would do the same too if they had the chance,

Original poster
trainermush · 20/02/2025 18:08

I don't pay much tax as I'm now a pensioner,

I think some pensioners will have to contribute in whatever form. I think lower earners, people who don't work, those on benefits. Basically virtually everyone would have to put something into the pot.

OP posts:
Pokadotspink · 20/02/2025 18:08

zzpleb · 20/02/2025 18:07

According to Wikipedia, total military spending by NATO countries was 55% of the world's military spend in 2022. And Trump wants that to increase?

The real question is, who will profit from increased military spending?

the military industrial complex in terms of profits, then in terms of safety the free world nations of the west

Onlyonekenobe · 20/02/2025 18:08

Yes if the billionaires pay it, to make up for all the tax breaks they e received thus far. No, if it's teachers and nurses and doctors who pay for it.

But let me guess. The billionaires will be excused from paying and decamp to their bunkers, their children will develop bone spurs to excuse them from the draft; sons and daughters of teachers and nurses will be drafted and their parents will pay higher taxes. Because that's what ALWAYS happens.

zzpleb · 20/02/2025 18:07

According to Wikipedia, total military spending by NATO countries was 55% of the world's military spend in 2022. And Trump wants that to increase?

The real question is, who will profit from increased military spending?

HelpMeGetThrough · 20/02/2025 18:07

Pokadotspink · 20/02/2025 18:03

so what some are saying if Russia invaded then they would be the first to allow our country to surrender due to not wanting to fund our countrys defences ?

They won't invade, they'll hit a button and we'll all be fucked.

Shit happens.

Pokadotspink · 20/02/2025 18:06

MeanderingGently · 20/02/2025 18:04

I don't pay much tax as I'm now a pensioner, but hypothetically.... I would certainly be happy to pay more tax to shore up the nation in terms of education, healthcare etc., but NOT for so called 'defence'. I don't support war or the proliferation of weapons, I'd prefer diplomatic and political solutions not armies.

I accept it's likely to be an unrealistic view, but it's how I feel.

that's the main worry in war, if you have a fully equipped army and a country with no army and they want eg that countries resources etc then they will just roll right across and get those resources, and lets be honest talking is not going to stop them

Original poster
trainermush · 20/02/2025 18:06

I just want the burden to be spread evenly.

it would have to be

OP posts:
Farellyo · 20/02/2025 18:05

BobbyBiscuits · 20/02/2025 17:49

No. Not at all. I don't want to spend my money on weapons and killings.

Do you think that's all the defence budget goes on?

PatChaunceysFruitCake · 20/02/2025 18:04

I don't think we will have any choice. I just want the burden to be spread evenly.

MeanderingGently · 20/02/2025 18:04

I don't pay much tax as I'm now a pensioner, but hypothetically.... I would certainly be happy to pay more tax to shore up the nation in terms of education, healthcare etc., but NOT for so called 'defence'. I don't support war or the proliferation of weapons, I'd prefer diplomatic and political solutions not armies.

I accept it's likely to be an unrealistic view, but it's how I feel.

Pokadotspink · 20/02/2025 18:03

so what some are saying if Russia invaded then they would be the first to allow our country to surrender due to not wanting to fund our countrys defences ?

Esmeraldaemerald · 20/02/2025 18:03

I’ve just been googling and all sorts of interesting facts come up - apparently 90% of nuclear weapons are held by the US and Russia

Shakeoffyourchains · 20/02/2025 18:02

There wouldn't be a need to tax everyone. Surely the 4m or so "true British patriots" will be volunteering to give up their time, money and indeed lives to defend the country?

Nevertrustacop · 20/02/2025 18:02

Yes of course. We have been relying on the US to protect us and pay for it, for far too long.

May09Bump · 20/02/2025 18:01

Yes I would - however, I would like Gov to look at foreign aid spending for any savings first as I'm not sure it's reaching those that matter and if it cant be given in secure ways - then it should stop.

Conscription of young people also terrifies me - my DC can fly drones and can code to a high level, along with engineering skills (both under 15) - family in older generations told me their stories in the front line, that was horrific (Army and Navy). It's absolutely ridiculous that we are still dealing with the same shit in 2025.

Esmeraldaemerald · 20/02/2025 18:01

roses2 · 20/02/2025 17:58

What are conscription proof careers, like the key workers for covid?

Show quote history

I would have thought so yes … imagine there was a list in WW2

Fangisnotacoward · 20/02/2025 18:01

Yes I would. A year ago I'd have said no.

I expected everything to go down the toilet from Jan, but I'm shocked at how fast and how far it's gone already 😕