The UK spends £2.8 billion each year on the trident nuclear deterrent (which needs US satellites function). Trident is a political choice.
A below inflation 7% pay raise for all striking public workers (terrible greedy selfish people like teachers and nurses) would cost £5bn.
This week Shell reported its highest ever profits: £32.2bn. That's fueling inflation, not paying professional public servants what they're worth.
Political choices.