A £16.5 billion boost to the defence budget over the
next four years will ensure the UK remains the second
highest defence spender in NATO and will allow us to
invest in the cutting-edge, next-generation technology
that will demonstrate to our allies that they can
always count on the UK.
The Prime Minister said:
Next year will be a year of British leadership, when
we preside over the G7, host COP26 in Glasgow and
celebrate the 75th anniversary of the of the first
United Nations General Assembly.
Britain must be true to our history and stand
alongside our allies, sharing the burdens and
bringing our expertise to bear on the world’s
toughest problems.
The returns of this investment will go far beyond our
Armed Forces, creating thousands of jobs, reinforcing
the Union and levelling up our country.
The spending commitment will finance the UK’s order of
8 Type 26 and 5 Type 31 frigates, which are currently
being constructed on the Clyde, creating thousands of
jobs. The Prime Minister will also set out his
commitment to the next generation of warship – the Type
32 – which would also be built in the UK.
The record contribution will also allow the Ministry of
Defence to invest in research to create the technology
of tomorrow – for conflicts on land and sea, and in the
air, space and cyberspace.
As we have seen in the past, and as we’re currently
seeing in areas such as autonomous vehicles and
aviation, these developments will also have civilian
applications.
In his speech the Prime Minister will announce a new
‘Space Command’, capable of launching our first rocket
from Scotland in 2022.
Scotland has always played a critical role in the UK’s
defence. That is thanks to its important geographical
position which makes it an ideal home for half of the
UK’s typhoon force and the Royal Navy’s entire
submarine service, and to its people, who have always
answered the call of duty to serve their country.
Around 10,000 regular personnel and 4,000 reservists
call Scotland home and this number is growing.
The projects announced by the Prime Minister today will
therefore directly benefit the people of Scotland,
bringing security and economic benefits for decades to
come.
