Jeremy Hunt defends plans to slash civil service jobs for increased defence spending and Ukraine aid

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt defends plans to slash civil service jobs to increase defence spending and aid to Ukraine

During a surprise trip to Kyiv, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt defended controversial plans to cut civil service jobs in order to increase defence spending and aid to Ukraine. Hunt stated that cutting public services will cost “a great deal less” compared to allowing Russia to succeed in Ukraine.

The increase in funding, totaling an extra £20bn, has sparked criticism from unions who claim that 70,000 jobs will be cut to fund the initiative. However, Downing Street has assured that the plans will be funded through existing commitments to reduce the civil service headcount to pre-Covid levels.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently confirmed that the UK would provide an additional £500m for Ukraine this year, on top of the £2.5bn already allocated. Hunt expressed hope that the increased funding would be a “turning point in this war” and send a strong message to Putin that he will not succeed in Ukraine.

The decision to shrink the civil service to pay for defence spending and aid to Ukraine has been met with mixed reactions. Hunt emphasized the importance of investing in European security and defense to prevent Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, stating that it will ultimately cost less in the long run.

The additional funding will support ongoing MoD programs, such as new naval frigates, a new fighter jet, and the modernization of Britain’s nuclear weapons systems. Labour’s shadow defense secretary, John Healey, expressed the party’s desire for a fully funded plan to reach the desired level of defense spending.

As the debate over defense spending and civil service cuts continues, the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression in the region.