The largest investment in our nation’s defence since the cold war announced yesterday will help protect our country and bring tens of thousands of jobs to every corner of the Union of the UK.
This the largest investment in the nation’s defence in the last 30 years, providing our defence budget with an extra £24.1 billion over the next four years. The commitment will allow the Government to invest in cutting-edge technology, positioning the UK as a global leader in domains such as cyber and space and cement the UK’s position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in NATO.
Over the next four years this funding will help create 10,000 more jobs a year, through the investing in our world leading defence industry and revitalising British shipbuilding. These jobs will reflect the expertise and ingenuity of British people both inside and outside our Armed Forces, harnessing the UK’s skills in construction and science and reinvigorating those industries in the coming decades.
Commenting, Robbie said:
“I have recently seen first hand the commitment and motivation of our armed forces. Through training with the RAF and speaking to veterans in my constituency I have a good idea of what we need to protect our nation’s assets at home and overseas.
“Technology has taken major leaps over the last three decades, and it continues to change at pace. To stay competitive we need to be at the cutting edge of that technology and this investment will allow for that. There will be more opportunities for people here to serve the country, and thousands more jobs will be created indirectly through the supply chain and in supporting roles.
“Keighley and Ilkley is a constituency that respects its armed forces and we saw that earlier this month during the period of remembrance. I am delighted to represent the party that is not shy in saying we are proud of our country and its armed forces.”
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said:
“I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first.
“The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies. To achieve this we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board.
“This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our Armed Forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life.”
The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said:
“This is excellent news for Defence, and provides us with the financial certainty we need to modernise, plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face. It demonstrates the Prime Minister’s recognition of how important Defence is to our resilience and to the reputation of the United Kingdom.
“This settlement secures UK jobs and livelihoods, allows us to invest in our fantastic shipyards and aerospace industry, spreading prosperity to every corner of the UK.
“Next year represents a huge opportunity for this country, and Defence will be at the forefront of creating the jobs and business opportunities that will help us build back from the pandemic.
“Over the next few months I will set out in more detail our ambitious agenda for Defence.”
