Aylesbury MP welcomes largest investment in our nation’s defence since the end of the Cold War

Democracy and Local Affairs, Emergency Service & Military, Homepage

Aylesbury MP, Rob Butler, has welcomed new defence funding which will help protect our country and create tens of thousands of jobs.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that an extra £24.1 billion will be spent on defence over the next four years. The money will enable our armed forces to be provided with cutting-edge technology, positioning the UK as a global leader in domains such as cyber and space.  This the largest investment in the nation’s defence in the last 30 years, and will cement the UK’s position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in NATO.

 

Rob said:

“I am a firm supporter of our Armed Forces, and so I am delighted that we are providing them with the largest financial boost since the Cold War, exceeding our manifesto commitment to increase defence spending.

“This is excellent news for my constituency, with RAF High Wycombe soon to become our first UK Space Command. We will not only benefit from the security this investment will bring our country, but also the jobs and prosperity the direct and indirect investment will bring to our defence industry and its supply chains.

“As a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the impressive work our Armed Forces, particularly the RAF, do to protect our country. After meeting many of our professional service personnel and seeing the tremendous work they have done throughout Covid-19, I think it is absolutely right that we are investing in their future.

 

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, 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 MP, 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.”