A watershed moment for our security

A statement from Callum Anderson MP on increasing the defence budget

Britain and Europe stand at a watershed moment for our security.

The world is becoming more uncertain and more dangerous, and we must take decisive steps to ensure the safety of our nation.

The first and principal duty of any government is to protect its people, and that is why I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that Britain will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence from April 2027.

It is also right that we consider how this can be further increased to 3% in the next Parliament.

Any defence investment must be carefully linked to the Government’s wider priorities, particularly economic growth, to ensure that our security and prosperity go hand in hand.

The Defence Industrial Strategy plans announced in December show our commitment to ensuring that Britain has its own sovereign industrial capabilities to safeguard our long-term defence interests.

The decision to reduce Overseas Development Assistance is a difficult but necessary one. However, it reflects the reality that increasing spending in one area requires adjustments elsewhere.

This is about taking the necessary steps to strengthen our national security, rather than making an ideological decision to cut aid.

The Prime Minister’s statement recognises a fundamental truth: Britain must take responsibility for its own security.

I hope that in the coming months, more European members of NATO will reflect on their own defence commitments, so that together we can ensure peace and stability on our continent.