Conference, it’s an honour – as always – to address you.
And it’s a pleasure to follow David.
We work a great deal together, including this month’s visit to
the US – our most essential UK ally.
As we said in Washington, with threats increasing and war in
Europe, security is now at the heart of every nation’s interests.
These words have special meaning for Israel today.
We utterly condemn the attacks and support Israel’s right to
defend itself.
Conference, a year has passed since we last met here, in
Liverpool.
Back then, we all hoped by now the Ukraine conflict would be
over.
But war still rages. Cities still bombed. Civilians still raped
and killed.
When President Zelensky addressed Parliament earlier this year,
he said:
“London has stood with Kyiv since day one”.
Mr President, I’m proud to say ‘Labour has stood with Kyiv since
day one’.
Now on day 592, we will we continue to stand with Ukraine for as
long as it takes to win.
Ukrainians are fighting a tyrant ready to redraw borders by
force.
Who murders his own people, targets our democracy, disregards UN
law.
Ukrainians are fighting for the values we share – freedom,
democracy, human rights and the rule of international law.
That’s why the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine.
So from this Conference, let Putin be in no doubt:
There may be a change to Labour next year but there will be no
change in Britain’s resolve to stand with Ukraine, confront
Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes.
I am proud of the UK’s leadership on Ukraine.
I want to be proud still in six months’ time.
But just when Britain should accelerate our support and rebuild
our stockpiles, the Government is on a go-slow.
It took 287 days after Putin invaded for ministers to sign a new
contract for vital anti-tank weapons.
503 days to agree a contract for more ammunition.
And still – seven months after announcing £2 billion pounds for
new stockpiles – ministers have not spent a penny of this money
or signed a single contract.
I can announce today, Labour in government would act to
accelerate this £2 billion spend to rearm Britain, resupply
Ukraine and boost British industry.
Conference, from the troops deployed as part of NATO to
submariners at sea with our vital UK deterrent, Labour is proud
of our Armed Forces and our veterans.
This is now a different era, demanding different decisions but
Labour will always do what’s required to defend this country.
When we last left government,
Britain was spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.
The British Army had over 100 000 full-time troops.
Satisfaction with service life was at 60%.
Labour levels that have never been matched in any Tory year
since.
Britain is weaker in the world after 13 years of Conservative
government.
As said himself, our Armed Forces have been “hollowed
out and underfunded” by the Tories.
In 13 years, they’ve,
Cut the Army to its smallest since Napolean.
Scrapped one in five Royal Navy ships.
.
Taken 200 aircraft out of RAF service.
In 13 years, they’ve,
Left forces families living in damp housing and let morale fall
to record lows.
In 13 years, they’ve,
Failed to fix the ‘broken’ defence procurement system – wasting
billions and too often creating jobs abroad, not building in
Britain.
The greatest risk to UK defence is another five years of the
Conservatives.
My pledge to the British people – and to the men and women who
serve – is that Britain will be better defended with Labour.
First, we will reinforce protections for our UK homeland.
Second, we will ensure our NATO obligations are fulfilled in
full.
Third, we will make allies our strategic strength by developing
deeper Indo-Pacific partnerships and striking new defence pacts
with Germany, France and the European Union.
Fourth, we will renew the nation’s moral contract with those who
serve and create a strong independent champion for our forces and
their families.
And fifth, we will drive deep reform of defence procurement to
direct British defence investment first to British jobs and
British business.
This is the way Labour will make our country secure at home, and
strong abroad.
Conference, once said:
“The difference between Opposition and Government is this: in
Opposition you wake up every morning and think ‘what can I say
today?’
In government, you ask yourself ‘what can I do today?’
Conference, we have this one single purpose: to win a Labour
Government.
Together – we can win.
Together – we will give Britain its future back.
