Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson has welcomed new defence funding which will help protect the UK and bring tens of thousands of jobs to every corner of the country.
This the largest investment in the nation’s defence in the last 30 years, providing the 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.
This year, Jane has been participating in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, which allows Members of Parliament to learn more about how the Armed Forces operates and the opportunities and inspiration it can give to young people.
Jane said: “I am a huge supporter of the Armed Forces, and Wolverhampton has very close ties to our servicemen and women which is evidenced every year through our Remembrance Day commemorations.
“That is why I am delighted that we are providing the UK’s Armed Forces 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 news for places like Wolverhampton which will not only benefit from the security this investment brings to our country, but also the jobs and prosperity the direct and indirect investment will bring to our defence industry and its supply chains.”
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.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP 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.”
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