Defence Secretary John Healey was quizzed by new Defence Committee chairman Tan Dhesi today over the delay in revealing when cash for the military will hit 2.5 per cent of GDP.

Labour has said a path to hitting the key benchmark will be unveiled in a strategic defence review (SDR) due to report back in the spring.

But Slough MP Mr Dhesi said that ministers had to provide more ‘clarity’ more quickly against a backdrop of war in Eastern Europe.

‘It is wonderful that we have got a defence industrial strategy, but I think without having that clarity – the Budget perhaps was a missed opportunity for that – some of us would like to understand certain aspects of defence reform which are being undertaken are so urgent that they cannot wait … but [the government] continues to delay on the 2.5 per cent of GDP. Why that anomaly?’

Mr Healey replied that he saw ‘no anomaly’, adding: ‘We set out the commitment to establishing a path to 2.5 per cent… you will have noted that unlike other departments there was a substantial increase in next year’s budget for defence, £2.9billion just next year.

‘It’s a demonstration that we recognise as a government that the first duty of a government is to keep the country safe and that is what we are determined to do…

‘I’ve embarked on and launched what is probably the most far-reaching defence reform for 50 years, and I have done that because this is essential in order for us to be able to shape our forces for the future, it is essential for being able to deliver the sort of recommendations we might get and the strategy that the SDR is likely to set out.’

Labour last night announced swingeing cuts to the UK’s defence capabilities even as Britain is being dragged closer into direct conflict with Russia.

In a shocking move which sent alarming signals to the Kremlin, 31 frontline helicopters and a pair of Commando assault ships were axed.

While despite the domination of drones on the Ukrainian battlefield, the UK is to lose 46 Watchkeeper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

A Royal Navy frigate and a pair of ‘fast fleet tankers’, which provide fuel for aircraft carriers, are also being chopped as part of the plans.

Sources said the cuts delivered entirely the wrong message to Britain’s enemies and allies such as the United States.

The timing was also challenged as it coincides with the US ramping up its support for Ukraine – and as other NATO members are boosting their military capabilities.

One senior naval figure remarked: ‘Try telling Donald Trump these helicopters and ships were getting old and were costing more to repair, he’ll only hear that Britain is making cuts’.

Mr Healey said insisted the savings will fund the development of more advanced equipment – and will not be seized by the Treasury.

He also unveiled plans to address recruitment and retention issues – including incentives for troops to extend their service in areas such as aircraft engineering.

Healey told the House the cuts were required due to ‘dire inheritance’ of the Labour government following the General Election.