Thirsk and Malton MP, Kevin Hollinrake, says the £24.1 billion defence funding over 4 years will help protect our country and bring tens of thousands of jobs to every corner of the country, including in his constituency.
The largest investment in the nation’s defence in since the Cold War 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.
Mr Hollinrake said “I am a firm supporter of our Armed Forces, that’s why I am delighted that we are providing them with the largest financial boost in 30 years while both meeting and exceeding our Manifesto commitment to increase defence spending. This news is also welcome for constituencies across the country like Thirsk and Malton which 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. I certainly hope that some of this money can be directed to the Royal Airforce Base at Linton on Ouse.”
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.”
