Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps MP to delve into the intricacies of defence plans. With several Ministry of Defence (MOD) sites nestled within our constituency, my dedication to supporting the armed forces and advocating for an increase in defence spending remains resolute.
Here are some key takeaways from my discussion with Grant:
1. Strengthening Bonds with Australia: Following a fruitful summit in Canberra, the UK and Australia are forging deeper defence collaborations. Significant progress has been made in the SSN-AUKUS submarine programme, alongside the establishment of a new Defence and Security Cooperation Agreement.
2. E-7 Wedgetail: The Royal Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft is set to be operational by 2025, offering cutting-edge capabilities for the next two decades.
3. NATO Commitment: The UK reaffirms its unwavering commitment to NATO, stressing the importance of all allies meeting spending targets to deter potential Russian aggression.
4. Diversity and Inclusion in the Armed Forces: The Ministry of Defence is undertaking a comprehensive review to ensure diversity and inclusivity within the armed forces, recognising their significance in bolstering defence capabilities.
5. UK Support for Ukraine: Military aid to Ukraine sees a substantial increase with £2.5 billion in funding, encompassing vital resources such as drones and artillery shells.
6. Record Defence Spending: The UK's annual defence expenditure of £55 billion marks a historic high. While the government aims to invest 2.5% of GDP in defence, I advocate for a 3% allocation to further bolster our national security.
7. Modernised Accommodation Offerings: A £200 million investment has been allocated to enhance living quarters and expand entitlements for service members, ensuring they have adequate support and comfort.
8. Future-Proofing Defence Capabilities: The British Army is undergoing significant transformation to enhance readiness against evolving threats, reflecting our commitment to safeguarding our nation's security.
In conclusion, our discussions underscored the importance of robust defence strategies and investments in maintaining peace and security both domestically and internationally. As we navigate an ever-changing global landscape, I remain steadfast in my support for our armed forces and will continue to champion initiatives aimed at bolstering their capabilities.
