Fresh figures from Defence, Equipment and Support show the MoD agency spent more than half a million pounds on hire cars that were never used in the last year. What was that Starmer said about being “battle ready”?
Annual accounts for 2024-25 from DE&S – which manages UK defence contracts – reveals losses have actually gone up under Labour:
“Total fruitless payments in relation to hire car rental charges, cancellations, and non-road traffic accident damages was £0.558 million in 2024-25, which represents an increase of £0.356 million compared to 2023-24.”
For that you could:
- Buy 7 air-to-ground missiles.
- Train 12 new army recruits.
- Buy 3,487,500 rounds of ammunition.
The report helpfully adds: “There is ongoing activity in DE&S to refresh staff knowledge of the hire car process and requirements on individuals to mitigate future losses.” The taxpayer may have a view on which should be prioritised. UK DOGE recommends costs are cut here…