Britain’s defense and health secretaries are demanding budget increases. These requests are justified, but any new funds should be offset with other government cuts. Preferably, from cuts to the U.K.’s vast welfare budget.

Britain spends 2 percent of its GDP on defense spending every year, and many conservatives are now calling for a boost to 2.5 percent. At around $10 billion in additional funds, the spending hike would allow Britain to purchase more advanced capabilities such as F-35 strike fighters, attack and ballistic missile submarines, and new air defense capabilities.