Tories in 'defence cost cuts'

DAVID Cameron warned yesterday that Tories may be forced to slash defence spending because of the credit squeeze.

The Tory leader admitted there are doubts that he could upgrade the £20billion Trident nuclear defence system.

And plans to build two new aircraft carriers costing £2billion each could also be axed by a Conservative government.

The admission shows the pressure Mr Cameron faces to get Britain back in the black.

All public spending is at risk, with the exception of health and overseas aid.

Mr Cameron told a Westminster meeting: "When you are reviewing spending, you have to review all spending."

He vowed to bring down the cost of the welfare state, but not at the expense of the poorest and most vulnerable.

Last night defence experts warned that heavy defence cuts could threaten UK forces' "future capability".