The Prime Minister committed to “the largest sustained increase since the Cold War”, amounting to £13.4 billion year on year
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a significant boost to defence spending during a speech at the Defence conference in London.
The Prime Minister committed to “the largest sustained increase since the Cold War”, amounting to £13.4 billion year on year.
The announcement comes amid what Starmer described as “a new, more dangerous era of history”. Starmer emphasised the importance of deepening partnerships with allies across Europe and the United States.
“To the United States, an indispensable ally for our economic and national security,” he stated. The Prime Minister revealed that talks with the US have been ongoing, with more details to follow. “I will always act in our national interest for workers, businesses and families,” he pledged.
The Prime Minister will use his speech to deliver a tribute to the bravery of the veterans who secured victory 80 years ago and the remarkable men and women who carry the vital task of protecting our security today. It follows a street party on Downing Street on Monday where the Prime Minister welcomed Second World War veterans and cadets from across the country, and comes ahead of his attendance at the service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon.
He said, “Britain’s victory was not just a victory for Britain. It was a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil, for the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out. Now, as you know, there are people who would happily do likewise today. Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis. We must use this moment to deliver security and renewal for our country.”
At the Conference the Prime Minister addressed policymakers, military figures, defence firms and academics from around the world.
In the face of global instability, he reflected on how the conference theme ‘Alliances’ should mean not only our iron-clad commitment to NATO and Western Values but also an opportunity to double down on efforts to work hand-in-hand with business and society to make the UK better off and more secure.
He also announced the latest significant investment in British expertise with a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets. The work to maintain 130 Typhoon engines will take place at Rolls-Royce’s sites, supporting hundreds of jobs in Bristol and beyond.
The announcement supports the government’s priority of continuing the UK’s great tradition of building the ships, missiles, artillery, vehicles, aircraft and more that keeps us safe – cementing the British defence industry’s place as the engine of national renewal.
It comes less than a week after the Prime Minister hailed the RAF’s new UK-made StormShroud drones. The groundbreaking new technology will make the RAF’s world-class combat aircraft more survivable and more lethal by delivering high-tech signal jammers to disrupt enemy radar at long ranges, protecting our aircraft and pilots.
Starmer said an investment in British pride and the British people would “build a nation that once again lives up to the promises made to that generation who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.”
“This isn’t just about increasing our defence spend – it’s also about reform, rebuilding. Our task now is to seize the defence dividend, felt directly in the pockets of working people – rebuilding our industrial base, creating the jobs of the future, the skills for the next generation.”
The Prime Minister also spoke of a “major overhaul” of the British armed services, promising the largest pay rise in over 20 years for personnel and to ensure they receive the “respect they deserve”.
Acknowledging the 80th anniversary since the Allies accepted the formal surrender of Nazi Germany, Starmer paid tribute to veterans of World War Two and drew parallels between modern day and 1945, describing today as a “more dangerous era of history” and emphasising the importance of strengthening partnerships with allies across Europe and the US.
The London Defence Conference, now in its fourth year, brings together hundreds of academics, policymakers and security industry experts at King’s College London.
