The Government has announced the biggest strengthening of our national defence for a generation. Aphra spoke with Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, about this commitment to invest an unprecedented £75 billion in defence over the next 6 years to reach 2.5% by 2030.
Given the recent global turbulence, the Government is rightly focussing on spending in this critical area. As part of our NATO commitment in 2014, members agreed to commit a minimum of 2% of their GDP to ensure military readiness. The UK has consistently met that NATO pledge, something that only a third of NATO members have managed. As we are seeing more instability, happening more quickly, in more places this increased funding is vitally important to ensure that our armed forces have the equipment, training and support they need. This uplift sees the UK continue to lead the way in Europe, securing our position as the second largest spender in NATO.
This increased investment is fully funded, with no increase in borrowing or debt, alongside a clear plan for what it will be spent on, with the immediate areas of focus being:
- Firing up the UK defence industrial base, including with a new munitions strategy;
- Accelerating investment in new technology for defence; and
- Guaranteeing support to Ukraine for the long term.
Aphra said: 'I very much welcome the new funding pledge of a further £500m to support Ukraine, and our largest ever donation of military equipment, taking our total support to £3bn this year. Current global instability and threats mean that we must be prepared, and this is a very welcome decision by the Government to prioritise keeping our people and our country safe."
