Since we are fighting US/ Israel's wars for Israeli/ US corporate and political aims and interests, should not these two wealthy entities pay our costs?

John Bayldon, Harrogate,

It would not cost a lot to spend enough on our armed forces. I believe that coupled with reduced spending in other areas, we should put an extra penny on income tax - earmarked for the Defence Budget and spend this on increasing pay, renovating/replacing housing and getting the military budget back where it should be.
I didn't know that the soldiers are paid LESS than policemen. My god.

Richard, Norwich,

If the government can bail out dodgy business men with the billions of tax payers' money given to Northern rock, surely they can spend a few billion to better look after our soldiers ?
Nah.

roger, london,

I think ALL public services struggle, we want the comfort blanket of an effective NHS, Education, Law and Order, bins emptied and effective Armed forces who when injured should receive the highest medical support.

Trouble is we have to pay for it. Even more than we do now

I know where my X is going in the next election

SC, Notts,

Barry from Chesham is so right, we should just have a well equipped, well trained and well paid home defence force. Part of the problems we experience here in this country are due to the vast cost of trying to be a major player when we are no longer a major power. An example of this is two aircraft carriers (so we can interfere anywhere) costing roughly the same as the proposed tidal barrier across the Bristol channel. Fifteen percent of our future electricity by renewable means or two very large ships able to take three thousand ? of our young men in the way of danger. This country needs to stop and completely re think our role and what we can afford.

mike gee, bournemouth, uk

Our Gallant lads have been sold down the river and they know it. Remind me why we invaded Afghanistan? Our leaders sons must lead the charge if this be a war worth fighting, not hiding behind their educated fathers or their mothers skirts, I didn't see any of Blairs kids on the front line the sooner we send them the sooner we will have our Gallant lads home, as long as we allow our leaders to send our lads and not their own they will always send them. Why should our council estate and middle class families have to suffer for the wrongs of the powerful and rich. This waring nation has unfurled its bloody flag on many a battle field however it has always been lead by Kings of men. This Great country has No Great Leaders and we need some and Now!!!

Mark , Gateshead,

oh thats good then just give them more money in salary and let them use bows and arrows

Barry, chesham,

I seem to recall a gentleman by the name of Churchill saying give us the tools and we'll finish the job... but these days it's all salary and pay for them to get a degree or quallification... when the rest of the world are spending money on defence i.e. America and China, israel etc, the uk gives itself airs and graces about a forgotten empire and tries to be part of it . A small home defence force is all we need give them bows and arrows but for heavens sake pay them more... what a joke the UK must be to the rest of the wrold

Barry, chesham,