The Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, faced intense scrutiny from MPs during a parliamentary session as concerns over military readiness and equipment shortages took centre stage.
Labour's shadow defence secretary, John Healey, led the charge, pressing Shapps on whether the UK's armed forces were adequately prepared for potential conflicts. Healey highlighted reports of equipment shortfalls and questioned whether the government had a clear strategy to address these issues.
Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Dinenage also raised concerns, demanding transparency over defence spending and the state of military resources. "Our armed forces deserve the best possible support," she said. "The public has a right to know if we are truly prepared."
Shapps defended the government's record, insisting that the UK remains one of the world's leading military powers. He pointed to recent investments in defence and emphasised the importance of modernising the armed forces. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure the UK can meet emerging threats.
The debate comes amid growing tensions globally, with conflicts in Europe and the Middle East raising questions about the UK's ability to respond to crises. MPs from across the political spectrum called for a thorough review of defence capabilities to ensure the nation's security.
As the session concluded, Healey warned that "complacency is not an option" and urged the government to take immediate action to address the concerns raised.
