Labour Turns Up the Heat on the Military
John Healey, the new Defence Secretary, has made a bold promise: the armed forces will grow to a minimum of 76,000 troops, reversing years of shrinking budgets. He’s tackling the issue head‑on, saying Labour is the first government in a generation to stop trimming the military.
“No More Hollowing Out”
— John Healey to GB News
“This review isn’t about emptying out the forces any further,” Healey told the channel. “We’re looking to build, expand, and create jobs for the future.”
Re‑boosting Defence Spending
- Healey pledged a 2.5 % GDP spend on defense, a target never seen in the last 15 years.
- He called it the biggest increase since the Cold War’s end, a “record uplift.”
Fixing Military Housing for Families
Families living in sub‑par accommodations on base will soon get a fresh coat of paint.
- Healey announced that £1.5 billion will be earmarked to replace “unfit” military family homes.
- He jokes, “They’re not living in a luxury suite, but great news is right on the hustle.”
Laser‑Power Shines on the Navy
The Defence Secretary also revealed plans to mount the first laser weapons on UK ships—making the country the leading European NATO member in laser tech.
- He promised a £1 billion boost for a laser that can fire “at the speed of light” with a cost of “just tenner a shot.”
With these resounding promises, the Labour government aims to rebuild the military’s strength, spur job creation, and modernise its equipment—paving the way for a new era of defense readiness.
