Defence spending cuts could be made to tackle £22bn black hole, Healey warns

Potential cuts in spending on defence could be announced as "tough choices" lie ahead, the Defence Secretary has warned.

John Healey said a reduction in spending, including those on defence, could be required to tackle a £22bn "black hole" which Labour claims it inherited from the previous Conservative government.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reportedly warned the upcoming Budget on 30 October will be "painful".

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Mr Healey told the BBC: "Across government we are now all dealing with public finances this year that are far worse than we or anyone else thought before the election. 

"This is probably the worst inheritance of any government in living memory, so that is why both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have talked about tough choices, choices that we would not want to make or have expected to make, including on defence, that we will make because we have to get a grip on the public finances.

"We have to see growth back in the economy, and that is the way that we can rebuild both the wealth of this country as well as the public services."

Labour previously announced a 6% pay increase for members of the Armed Forces, and other public sector workers.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister promised to eventually increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.

Since taking office, the Government also pledged that military aid would continue for Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal invasion.