MID Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston has welcomed the Prime Minister’s new defence spending pledges.
Prime Minister Rish Sunak has committed to spending 2.5 per cent of the nations GDP on defence by 2030.
This increase in defence spending starts immediately and will mean an extraa £75 billion spent over the next six years.
The investment outlined will focus on firing up the UK industrial base, including £10 billion on the new munition’s strategy; ensuring that the country’s Armed Forces are benefiting from the latest technology, and guaranteeing our long-term support to Ukraine.
Long-term support for Ukraine is being accompanied by immediate support of an additional £500 million – taking total support this year to £3 billion – and the largest-ever single package of equipment.
The Prime Minister also announced the Government will increase defence R&D to, at minimum, 5 per cent of the defence budget.
A new Defence Innovation Agency will also be established so decisions about defence innovation will be brought together into a single agency to work with the private sector on emerging new technologies.
Nigel Huddleston MP said: “The UK is leading the way in Europe and setting a new standard among the major NATO economies.
“At this turning point in European security, if 2.5 per cent becomes a new benchmark for NATO partners to reach, allied defence spending would increase by over £140 billion.
“That would provide safety and security for the British people that far outstrips anything we could achieve alone.”
“I believe we must do more to defend our country, our interests, and our values.
“So today, I welcome the biggest strengthening of our national defence for a generation. Defence spending will be increased to a new baseline of 2.5% of GDP, by 2030 – rising steadily every year.”