_edited.png)
Strengthening Britain’s Defence in an Uncertain World
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Yesterday I spoke in Parliament during the Ministry of Defence Estimates Day debate about the urgent need to turn defence spending commitments into real capability.
In an increasingly volatile new world, we cannot afford to let a gap between ambition and delivery creak open. The Government’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP is absolutely right, but this funding alone isn’t enough. The Defence Investment Plan, scheduled for Autumn last year, is still nowhere to be seen, this must be published in the coming weeks so the industry has the certainty it needs and our armed forces have the cutting-edge capability required to keep us safe.
Through my participation in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, I’ve seen first-hand the extraordinary professionalism and dedication of those who serve our country, tirelessly putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us.
That’s why, on one hand, I commend the Government for their £9 billion investment in the Defence Housing Strategy and the work being doing to improve family military housing, but on the other, will keep pressing them to deliver the resources and support they critically need.
Events are moving rapidly, and at the Prime Minister’s press conference today, it was striking that there was little reassurance for the millions of families and pensioners who are understandably worried about rising heating costs as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
In fast moving and uncertain times, people expect clarity and reassurance from their leaders. That was missing today.
But across the House, we will do all we can to protect British citizens and support our armed forces who are now at risk due to Donald Trump’s illegal actions. My office is working closely with constituents currently stranded in the region, and we are doing everything we can to help bring them home safely to Newbury.
