As the nation marks VE Day, remembering the triumph of our values
and the sacrifices made to secure them eight decades ago, the
Prime Minister will share his vision for working people, once
again, to feel the benefit of Britain stepping up.
Delivering the keynote speech at the London Defence Conference
this morning, he will describe the government's task to seize
upon the ‘defence dividend' presented by our increased investment
in defence, in order to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in
every corner of the country.
In doing so he will highlight how the government's boost to
defence spending – the highest since the Cold War – will not only
provide safety and security for the United Kingdom, but also
cement the UK's status as a defence industrial leader, with more
high skilled jobs for people proud to keep our country safe.
Prime Minister Kier Starmer is expected to say:
“Our task now is to seize the defence dividend - felt
directly in the pockets of working people, rebuilding our
industrial base and creating the jobs of the future.
“A national effort. A time for the state, business and
society to join hands, in pursuit of the security of the nation
and the prosperity of its people.
“An investment in peace, but also an investment in British
pride and the British people to build a nation that, once again,
lives up to the promises made to the generation who fought for
our values, our freedom and our security.”
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 will say:
“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 will address policymakers,
military figures, defence firms and academics from around the
world.
In the face of global instability, he will reflect 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 will announce 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.
