Ukraine is fighting for Western Democratic values, and the UK is united for Ukraine. (Image: RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The first duty of any Government is to defend the country and keep our citizens safe.
We live in an increasingly dangerous world – with war in Europe, growing Russian aggression and conflict in the Middle East.
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Let’s be clear: Britain’s stability and prosperity depends on our national security. It depends on a Britain that is secure at home and strong abroad. Working with our Western allies to bolster Ukraine and face down the authoritarian aggression of countries like Russia and Iran.
We know there are big challenges. Global threats are increasing, our armed forces have been hollowed out and underfunded over the past 14 years, and our defence procurement system is broken and wasting taxpayer money.
We are determined to fix things. Two weeks into government, we are getting on with the job with urgency and purpose. To bolster Britain’s security and back our allies.
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The defence of the UK starts in Ukraine. That’s why on my second day as Defence Secretary I visited President Zelenskyy in Odesa. It’s why the Prime Minister and I have pledged to continue the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine and step up that support with a new package of military aid, faster deliveries of essential kit and confirming we will provide ￡3 billion a year of military support, until the end of this decade and as long as it takes.
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Ukraine is fighting for Western Democratic values, and the UK is united for Ukraine. Our NATO allies are united for Ukraine, too. At the NATO Summit in Washington last week, the Prime Minister and I met world leaders to reinforce our commitment to our allies, our unshakeable commitment to NATO and our commitment to increase in UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as soon as we can.
Then on Thursday this week, Britain hosted European leaders including President Zelenskyy at Blenheim Palace. We announced a package to boost Ukrainian and UK military production. We launched a crackdown on Putin’s shadow oil fleet. And the Prime Minister kicked off a new approach to Europe – with clear action to crackdown on the people smuggling gangs profiting from the small boats crisis at our border.
At home, we are taking immediate action to address the challenges facing our armed forces. We are proud of the men and women who serve to keep our country safe, and our government will support them to do their job of defending Britain.
That’s why this week we launched a first-of-its-kind Strategic Defence Review, to better understand the threats we face and the capabilities we need to face them. We will put service personnel at the heart of that Review. And we will put a NATO-first approach at the heart of defence plans.
And it’s why in our Government’s first King’s Speech we announced plans for a new Armed Forces Commissioner. A strong, independent voice to improve service life, renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve. And for those whose service is over, we’ve been clear that we will act to improve access to services for veterans. We know that those who have served our country deserve the best possible support.
As the UK’s new Defence Secretary, I will work with all parties on defence. No political party has the monopoly on defence or pride in our military. Our Labour Party has deep roots in defending this country. It was Labour that established NATO and our nuclear deterrent. Throughout the past century, working people have served, fought and died for Britain. And our Labour government has profound respect for those who serve today. Theirs is the ultimate public service.
Two weeks ago, this government was elected on a promise of change. And the work of change has already begun. To make Britain better defended. To make our country democracy’s most reliable ally.
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There is much more to do. But with our new government, strong defence will be central to Britain’s success in this new era. Driving economic growth, reconnecting Britain in the world, and forging a new partnership between Government, business and workers. Together, we will make Britain more secure at home and strong abroad.
John Healey is the Secretary of State for Defence
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