To agree with increasing tax and more benefit cuts to pay for defence

[Viviennemary]

I was surprised to hear that Labour is to spend more on defence. We really do need to with the threats from Russia and run down of weapon stocks because they have been given to Ukraine. All of Europe needs to wake up. But I think they realise this.

Anyone? I just saw on the news that transport links outside London are to be improved. I also agree with that. But surely defence is very important. Under the threat of war then surely that has got to be the top priority. Doesn't look as if America under Trump will continue to prop up European defences.

Defence is our number one priority I agree.

Theres no point giving out benefits if it means Russia's gonna come and take us over.

I'm surprised you think that weakening moral at home is a good defence strategy. If we need to increase defence then they should be looking at ways to get us to pull together and look out for each other.

Not quite sure what you mean by weakening morale. If the necessity for defence is explained properly then sensible folk will agree with the means to get the extra money which is needed.

The absolute number one priority and duty of any government has to be defence of the nation it governs. Everything else comes after that. We have been very foolish to allow the erosion of our defense capabilities for so long and I’m glad it’s about to be put right.
People will talk about “wasted money” but if it’s money “wasted” on developing technology, creating jobs in several sectors, making despotic maniacs think twice etc. then the more of it they “waste” the better IMO.

Totally agree. If our defence isn’t good enough, nothing else matters. I want the review implementations to go as fast and as deep as required.

If we were under even the threat of attack folk would have a lot more to worry about than an increase in their taxes or a reduction in their benefits. It's head in the sand.

Let me guess - you live in London where the transport links are excellent, schools receive higher funding and the streets still get cleaned and repaired?

It is easy to say to cut benefits when you are not on benefits. I am and will be absolulty fucked if they are cut. Me being homeless wont put more money in your pocket.
I get the point the poster made about morale. Why would anyone want to fight for a country that would make the most vulnerable suffer.

I guess you are not severely disabled and therefore unable to work or have been forced to give up work to provide round the clock care for a severely disabled family member? What do you suggest these people should live off? You are only one accident away from being disabled yourself.

With respect, will all be fucked if we can’t defend ourselves adequately. Benefits won’t even be a consideration.

I doubt benefits would be cut for severely disabled people. And I wouldn't support that anyway. Cuts will happen at the lowest level of disability payments. That's what I have heard.

OK so good to throw the disabled under a bus anyway because life will be shit for everyone. The cuts are coming long before the target for the defence budget is happening.

No idea what this Labour hates the disabled so much. They are already set to cut PIP for some people. Defence is number one priority of any government but cutting the Quangos or Net Zero would be more appropriate.

How are your finances, OP? I guess you can afford higher taxes and probably aren’t on the bottom rung financially…

As I said, we will all be under bus if we don’t do something about defence. I get that it’s a bad situation, I really do.

my child who is currently on high rate pip - needs 24/7 support and will never work nor be independent - would not qualify under the new rules even though they still cannot cook, cannot handle money at all, need help with personal care, most communication (can only read like a 5-6 year old - I have to handle everything for them). so no, a lot of severely affected people will lose all support. Mine has severe learning difficulties, no physical needs. How do you recon DC will make a living? We will have to hand him over to social care. care home/supported living plus carers will cost a lot more (but hey, I can return to work full time then). People have wool pulled over their eyes as to who will be affected by the cuts. Severely disabled people will lose PIP and alongside, some 150k carers are predicted to lose carers allowance too.

The UK armed forces currently have a recruitment crisis, young people simply aren't prepared to serve, this is despite a new advertising campaign and major changes to basic training. For example, shouting at recruits will no longer be allowed 🙄. But they still can't meet their targets, and retention is also in crisis.

They can spend as much as they like on defence, but if there aren't any soldiers or crew, then they may as well rely on the Scouts.

Other countries have either conscription, national service or amazing tech that gets recruits excited. We have an aircraft carrier that can't sail, helicopters that can't fly, about 37 tanks that actually work and submarines that require a pretty please from Trump before they can fire their missiles.

We don't have the money or the manpower to field an army in any global conflict.

Where did you hear this. I thought nothing had been finalised. If your child is on the highest level I doubt he would lose it if he needs a lot of support with day to day living.

Maybe if government stopped stirring shit in other countries, defense wouldn't be such a worry.

I think the citizens of this country are the number one priority tbh.

It's soul destroying knowing that this labour government is so woefully inept.

Starmer is such a wet lettuce who evokes zero confidence and Rayner?

Heaven forfend!

Where are all our smart politicians? Actually, that's an oxymoron, isn't it?

Who can we vote for in the future?

If war is looming thought then I dont blame anyone for not wanting to join the military. They will probably feel like they are just cannon fodder. None of this learning new things and seeing the world, then going back to civvy street with lots of transferable skills.

The minimum 4 point rule for a single activity to qualify has already been agreed. Previously you needed 12 points for the daily activity in total (DC has over 20) but you will need now at least 4 points in a single activity to qualify (and over 12 in total) to qualify. So someone, let's say getting 3 points in every activity would not qualify for PIp anymore despite having very high care needs across a number of settings. This change is not up for consultation in the green paper but will come into effect for new claims and renewals from (I think sometime ) in 2026. Unless enough labour MPs rebel and vote this disgrace down (unlikely). I wish people would actually get properly informed instead of spouting this 'only mildly affected people will be impacted' nonsense.

I dont agree that defence should be the number one priority of any government. What if theres no one to fight with? I think the government needs to make the clear argument what the threat is and what type of conflict they are preparing for and what they are asking the country to sacrifice in return for increased spending.
Im not actually against an increase in spending on defense and believe its going to be required as part of NATO but I dont believe it should be paid for by throwing disabled people on the bonfire. If we do that than why would we be a country worth fighting for?

Benefits are cut to the bone as it is. Taxes yes, but not benefits. Get more people through the health service and get them back to work thus reducing benefit bill that way. Expand our defence industry, get taxes from workers and the industry.