Downing Street Denies Prime Minister Questioned UK Status As ‘Tier One’ Military Power

‘Shockwaves’ have been sent through the MoD after the Prime Minister reportedly challenged defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, to justify spending plans.

Downing Street was forced to deny claims that the Prime Minister had cast doubt on Britain's continuing status as a "tier one" military power.

The Financial Times reports that during a meeting with the Prime Minister, Mrs May told Mr Williamson that the Ministry of Defence needs to rethink the capabilities it needs in order to become a more modern military force and asked the Secretary of State to justify Britain's role as a 'tier one' military power.

A No 10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is strongly committed to the United Kingdom's armed forces and to maintaining their strength and their ability to deter and where necessary defeat the threats we face.

"It is categorically untrue to suggest otherwise or that the UK's position as a tier-one defence nation is somehow in question."

The Defence Secretary has fought a high profile campaign in Whitehall for more cash for the armed forces as the MoD faces a funding shortfall of up to £20bn over the next decade.

However, earlier this week the Prime Minister made it clear the NHS is the government’s priority.

In the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Williamson warned that the US could not be expected to pick up the bill for the defence of Europe indefinitely.

While Britain met the NATO target of spending a minimum of 2% of GDP on defence, he said that other allies needed to do more.

"We can't continue to expect US taxpayers to keep picking up the tab for European defence indefinitely, nor can we expect US patience to last forever.

"We as a continent have to step up to responsibility of playing a pivotal role in defending ourselves and not to expect others to do it for us."