Grant Shapps defends new function as defence sec – however admits he lacks information about Army
Grant Shapps has defended his appointment as defence secretary – saying the division “needs highly experienced cabinet ministers”.
There was a backlash after Rishi Sunak’s ally was moved into one of many prime roles in authorities amid a battle in Europe – regardless of having no army expertise.
Critics claimed the prime minister had chosen appearance over substance.
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But Mr Shapps, who has also run the energy, business and transport departments, disregarded criticism that he obtained his function “because it was a job for the boys” – whilst he admitted he lacked information in regards to the Army.
Grilled on what number of ranks there are within the Army, he instructed Sky News he didn’t know the reply “off the top of my head”.
But he insisted: “Look, what the Ministry of Defence wants is the extremely skilled cupboard ministers who can run a fancy infrastructure-orientated division.
“I’ve had a lot of experience of running very large budgets and complex departments.”
Mr Shapps added that “only two of the last 15 defence secretaries have had any military background themselves”.
He stated: “It’s not usual in democracy where we actually pride ourselves on having civilians run all elements of government, including our military. What I do know is how to run the department.”
Ben Wallace, Mr Shapps’ predecessor and a former Army officer, had performed a key function in galvanising worldwide help to arm the Ukrainian army.
He resigned from cabinet last week with a warning that “over the next decade, the world will get more insecure and more unstable”.
In a parting shot to safe his division’s future, Mr Wallace additionally added: “I know you agree with me that we must not return to the days where defence was viewed as a discretionary spend by government and savings were achieved by hollowing out.”
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Asked if he can be as vocal as Mr Wallace, Mr Shapps steered he would foyer for greater defence spending however stated he’ll “do it in my own way” – including: “I’ve spoken before about my desire to see a higher defence budget, well before being in this role.”
He stated defence spending is already on the rise, with the purpose of it going as much as 2.5%.
“I fully support that,” Mr Shapps stated. “I think it’s very important that we are protected as a nation, but also that we’re doing our part around the world to help the world be better protected.”