Britain’s armed forces have been ‘hollowed out and underfunded’, Ben Wallace admits

BRITAIN’S armed forces have been “hollowed out and underfunded” the Defence Secretary admitted today.

Ben Wallace’s confession to MPs came as Whitehall talks about a cash boost heated up ahead of March’s Budget.

PM Rishi Sunak pointed to increasing the Ministry of Defence budget a “record amount” in 2021.

Bute would not be drawn on further rises while in Darlington, County Durham, yesterday.

An updated global threat review is due on March 7, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt acknowledging the need for more money for defence.

Treasury insiders say the promised cost of replenishing ammunition, weapons, tanks and artillery will be met.

Officials are considering the millions needed to reverse troop cuts.

But Mr Wallace is pushing for a broader and deeper investment in the armed forces.

Defence minister James Heappey expects the funds for army “recapitalisation” to come.

He told MPs yesterday: “The Chancellor and the Prime ­Minister get that and there is a Budget coming.”