A country funds armed forces it hopes never to use because other states retain the power to coerce or attack. Britain therefore needs enough capability to deter them and preserve stability. Security supports the economy that funds health, education, and future national strength. Spending too much on defence can damage those foundations, but spending too little can expose a later government to a far more expensive crisis.
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Defence spending between security and prosperity
The case for defence seeks enough force to deter war without starving the health, education, and economic foundations that sustain national power.