Five years after the UK lockdown for the pandemic, the government faces new challenges against a backdrop of a shifting global order. Unlike the rapid decisions required during COVID-19, there is now a window of time to prepare, but significant hurdles remain. Current defense forces are considered underfunded and undermined by past austerity measures. The government must navigate potential tax increases or cuts to address these defense inadequacies, all while grappling with public sentiment and the urgency of European stability amid geopolitical tensions.
It took a still-young government time to realise its manifesto was toast; that it would be forced into decisions either it or the public hated.
Britain's armed forces are so hollowed out by years of austerity that in truth even spending 3% of GDP on defence may not be enough.
There is a tiny, shrinking window of time in which this government could make the connection between such a painful tax rise and the chill felt across Europe.
If taxes will ultimately have to rise, the government must begin making the case for them soon, calling it a defence levy or national resilience programme.
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