• The Prime Minister announced last week (Thursday, 19th November) an additional £24.1 billion in funding for our country’s defence.
• This funding will help safeguard the security of our nation and bring prosperity to every corner of the Union – while revitalising British shipbuilding.
• 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.

Henry Smith MP has welcomed new defence funding which will help protect our country and bring tens of thousands of jobs to every corner of the Union of the UK.

This is the largest investment in the nation’s defence in the last 30 years, providing our defence budget 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. These jobs will reflect the expertise and ingenuity of British people both inside and outside our Armed Forces, harnessing the UK’s skills in construction and science and reinvigorating those industries in the coming decades.

Henry said;

“As a firm supporter of our Armed Forces I’m delighted that Government is providing them with the largest financial boost since the Cold War, while both meeting and exceeding our manifesto commitment to increase defence spending.

“This news is also good for areas across the country who will benefit not only 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.

“This shows once again how this Government will actually stand up for our Armed Forces, delivering real support – not just empty words.”

Thales, which has been delivering equipment and services to the Ministry of Defence from its site in Crawley since 1964, commented;

“Thales welcomes the announcement that the UK Government is uplifting Defence spending, particularly with the focus on cyber, AI and autonomy. We are ready to work with our partners in Government and industry to start delivering this “once-in-a-generation modernisation” and give the UK Armed Forces the support they need to operate in the emerging digital battlespace.”

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 Secretary of State for Defence, 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.”