Local MP, Gillian Keegan, has welcomed new defence funding which will help protect our country and bring tens of thousands of jobs to every corner of the UK. As Chichester’s MP, Gillian has previously called for greater investment in our local military installation of Thorney Island, to support improvement work at the barracks.
This, the largest investment in the nation’s defence in the last 30 years, will provide the MOD 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. This is of key importance to our area with Portsmouth Naval Base just along the coast. Gillian recently visited the base, joining sailors on an exercise mission in the Solent aborad the UK's newest, greenest vessel, HMS Tamar, a River Class patrol ship.
Commenting, Gillian said:
“I am a firm supporter of our Armed Forces, even more so since I completed the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme, where I experienced and saw first hand the rigorous training and professionalism of our service personnel.
This multi-year funding settlement shows the Government’s commitment to our Armed Forces, and the brave men and women who serve within it – and will allow the UK to adapt our approach to defence as the nature of threats against us change and become more technologically sophisticated.”
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.”
