When captains of a major industry come up with a document explaining how giving them more money will end recession, rebalance the economy and boost security, scepticism may be in order. The association of Britain’s defence companies – the Defence Industries Council – took this bold approach this week, issuing two reports on their industry’s importance just ahead of party conference season.

Some top-line claims are shaky. Spending on defence is no better at creating jobs than support for other sectors. Defence R&D may produce spin-offs, but so too may R&D with civilian applications.