Well, apparently, welfare spending in western European countries could only happen because our defence (against USSR) was covered by US. Of course, it also prevented western European countries embracing full-on Communism, supposedly.

So, if the US is not covering for us anymore, we have to spend more on defence, paid for by welfare cuts. Or, so the argument goes.

And it is hoped defence spending can help kick start our stagnant economy - military Keynesianism.

If there is a threat from Russia, it is of our own making thanks to our 'support' for Ukraine.