Former military chief Lord Dannatt has backed potential tax rises to fund increased defence spending, saying "when times are tough, we all have to accept sacrifices".
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a rise in defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, likely by 2030, amid calls for increased military funding.
Speaking to GB News, Lord Dannatt said security was "much more important than new hospitals, roads, schools and critical national infrastructure."
Lord Dannatt told GB News: "They're handling it as well as they can, given that they are absolutely hamstrung and caught in the headlights of spending.
Lord Dannatt said security was "much more important than new hospitals, roads, schools and critical national infrastructure."
GB NEWS
"We've heard so much about the black hole that they inherited from the last Government.
"Frankly, just let's remember that in 2010, when David Cameron became Prime Minister, the then Chief Secretary of the Treasury and the outgoing Labour one left a message on the desk saying there is no money.
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"So we've been there before, so let's not go forward. Looking back over our shoulders, let's look at the situation today, which actually even different from July last year.
"Look at the situation today and say what needs to be done. And if what needs to be done means that we've got to spend more money directly supporting Ukraine, spend more money and increasing our defence capability, then that's what we've got to do.
"Goodness me, if that means we've got to put up taxes in this country. Shock, horror. Let's do it.
"You, I and everyone else watching this programme will have to shoulder some of the burden. When times are tough, we all have to tighten our belts and we have to accept Sacrifices.
Starmer has been urged to boost defence spending
PA"If that's in the greater interest of the security of this country, that's much more important than new hospitals, roads, schools and critical national infrastructure.
"Our security is what matters most. We have to pay for it."
One option under consideration would bring forward the boost to 2028, a timeline previously advocated by former Conservative Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace.
Economists estimate that each year the target is brought forward would add £6billion to the defence budget.
According to ITV, the Prime Minister is considering whether to implement the 2.5 per cent increase immediately or phase it in over two to four years.
The Prime Minister had initially planned to outline the pathway to reaching 2.5 per cent in his spring defence spending review.
