Hughes hits out at £50 million militarisation funding for north

Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has criticised the British government after it announced £50 million in funding for militarisation programmes in the north, saying families have been left to "fight for scraps" while money is found for weapons of war. Hughes said the decision was a "callous and immoral political choice" that ignored the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Speaking after the announcement, Hughes said: "Yet more money has been found to fund Britain's ever increasing militarisation programme, while families fight for scraps to simply heat their homes."

The Newry and Armagh MP pointed to what he described as an inconsistency in the British government's approach to spending, noting that community group funding had recently been cut. "This is also the same British government that just weeks ago cut funding to our community groups here, yet can find £50 million at the drop of a hat."

Hughes said the decision would anger many people already struggling with the cost of living. "This is yet another slap in the face to struggling families who will be incredulous and outraged at this decision. Once again, communities in the north are being harmed by reckless decisions taken in London."

The MP accused the British government of making a deliberate choice to prioritise military spending over the needs of ordinary families. "The British government is making a callous and immoral political choice to supercharge the building of weapons of war, while simultaneously ignoring the huge cost of living crisis." he said.