The UK government has sparked outrage after allocating £26 million to host Prince Harry's Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027, while failing to increase defence spending in the latest budget. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been criticised for prioritising the veteran's event over the armed forces, which face a £2.2 billion reduction in routine spending next year.
Former Royal Navy Admiral Lord West of Spithead described the decision as 'extraordinary', warning that under-equipped forces could lead to more veterans eligible for the games. 'Invictus is a wonderful thing, but the government have lost the plot as regards what is crucial for defence,' he told MailOnline.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams echoed the criticism, calling the budget 'bizarre' for singling out Invictus while ignoring defence needs. 'Ignoring money for defence sends the wrong message to both our friends and our enemies,' he said, suggesting the move was politically motivated to secure votes in marginal constituencies.
Official figures show a £2.5 billion reduction in defence spending for 2024-25, though government sources argue that including Ukraine support and nuclear deterrent costs results in a £1.4 billion increase. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps claimed a 'real-terms uplift' and the largest defence budget in history.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, support wounded, injured, or sick servicemen and women. The UK previously hosted the event in London in 2014 and Orlando in 2016.
