A Dorset MP urged the government not to cut the armed forces budget.

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, asked two Defence Ministers during a debate in the House of Commons to confirm that they will not cut Britain's forces.

Addressing Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Defence following his statement to the Commons on the upcoming National Security Capability Review, Mr Drax said: “History, sadly, has shown us that politicians are all too easily tempted to cut our armed forces in order to spend money in other areas. May I urge my right hon. Friend not to do so? We are leaving the European Union, and I believe that our commitments and responsibilities will grow, not least because by the time 27 other countries have decided to do something, it will be too late.”

The Defence Secretary replied that the Government was “committed to growing our efficiency budget from £36 billion to £40 billion, increasing the amount of money that we spend on equipment by 0.5 per cent above inflation every single year.”

“The first duty of every Government is the defence of the nation,” he added, “and that is why this Government takes it so incredibly seriously.”

Mr Drax also tackled Mark Lancaster, Minister for the Armed Forces on rumoured cuts to the Royal Navy and Marines. He said: “May I reiterate what Members on both sides of the House have said so far, and add my concerns to those that have already been expressed about the future of the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy? I believe that any cutting of the Royal Marines or any further part of our amphibious fleet—HMS Ocean having already gone to the Brazilians—is absolutely out of order and totally unacceptable.”

The Minister acknowledged Mr Drax's own military service and described him as a “champion of the armed forces", adding: “I can only repeat what has already been said, but I entirely recognise the contribution made by both the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy…I am only too well aware of what they are capable of, and I note my hon. Friend’s concerns.”

Mr Drax said: “I understand that our defence capabilities must evolve to address the new threats we face,” says Drax. “And there are many, including terrorism, cyber warfare and the erosion of rules upon which the international order is based.

“Therefore it cannot be right that we cut budgets at the same time. The sense that we will not pay for what we need, that we will not back the servicemen and women we already have and that we will sell some of our finest capabilities to the highest bidder does not fill me with confidence. Worse, it affects morale, which in turn, affects recruitment.

“I profoundly hope that the Defence Secretary can halt this drain of our armed forces."