The Government’s commitment to boost defence spending should be welcomed by local communities including the ones in Hazel Grove constituency.
That is the view of Paul Athans, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Hazel Grove and serving Army officer, who welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of an increase in defense spending, which will see tens of billions of pounds in extra funding at a time of escalating threats to global security.
Welcoming the news, Paul said: “As an army officer, I believe the first duty of government is to protect the nation. I’ve been campaigning for an increase in Defence spending and I’m proud that this government is delivering.
“I started my Army journey in the Territorial Army, before joining the Regular Army. Here I served for 12 years deploying all over the globe including Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Kenya, and Cyprus. I also worked at the heart of Government in the Ministry of Defence and now continue to serve as a Major in the Army Reserve. So I know how important defence is, which is why I’m delighted with the Government’s continued support for our Armed Forces and this significant £75 billion in funding.
“By sticking with the plan, Conservatives will secure our place as by far the largest defence power in Europe by investing in our national security and prosperity, making us safer at home and stronger abroad. We need voices in Parliament ready to join us in this essential mission, and that is what you will get from me."
“This announcement will confirm our place as the biggest defence power in Europe, second only to the USA in NATO. This is only possible because we are sticking to our plan for the economy, which is working.”
Paul's pledge: Committing to 2.5 per cent of GDP in 2030.
The last few years have seen two unprecedented international events: a global pandemic and a war in Ukraine. Despite the impact of rising inflation and our generous cost of living package on the public finances, we have still been able to increase defence spending to a record £50 billion a year – including an uplift of £24 billion, which is the largest single investment in defence since the end of the Cold War.
However, the security environment is deteriorating, with threats to the UK and its interests increasing. An axis of authoritarian states with different values to ours like Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China are increasingly assertive, acting together and making common cause in an attempt to reshape the world order. We need to deter threats now because, while the cost of doing so is significant, the cost of inaction would be higher still – both in terms of our security and our prosperity.
That is why today we are announcing our plan to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030. This increase in defence spending starts today and will mean an extra £75 billion over the next six years. This will confirm our place as the biggest defence power in Europe, second only to the USA in NATO. This is only possible because we are sticking to our plan for the economy, which is working.
Our increased investment will be focused on: firing up the UK industrial base, including £10 billion on the new munitions strategy; ensuring that our Armed Forces are benefiting from the latest technology, and guaranteeing our long-term support to Ukraine. We will also make sure that this new investment is spent more effectively with a radical set of reforms.
The UK is leading the way in Europe and setting a new standard among the major NATO economies. At this turning point in European security, if 2.5 per cent becomes a new benchmark for NATO partners to reach, allied defence spending would increase by over £140 billion. That would provide safety and security for the British people that far outstrips anything we could achieve alone.
Our first duty is to the national security and defence of the UK. We are taking the difficult decisions now to secure the future security and prosperity of children and grandchildren. By sticking to this plan for defence, we will deliver a brighter, safer future.
