Britain’s defences are strong. Under this government we have chosen to use our hard-earned economic strength to support our armed forces and give them what they need to help keep Britain safe. Our investment is rising year-on-year to tackle the complex, diverse and multiple threats we face.
Since 2010 we have been supporting the armed forces to do their jobs at home and abroad. We:
- Are one of only a handful of NATO countries to spend at least 2% of GDP on Defence.
- Are the second largest Defence spenders in NATO.
- Commissioned two new aircraft carries into the Royal Navy, both of which are now afloat.
- Have enshrined the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant in law, ensuring they get the support they deserve.
- Have ensured that 0.7% of GDP is set aside for International Aid.
- Have committed £773 million from the LIBOR fines since 2012 to support the Armed Forces and Emergency Services charities and other related good causes.
- Have made additional investment in our security and intelligence agencies to protect us from attack.
- Are protecting counter-terrorism police funding and investing £144 million to uplift armed policing capabilities.
Our Defence Plan:
We are:
- Continuing plans to increase our defence budget, rising by at least 0.5% above inflation every year until the end of this Parliament.
- Spending over £179 billion on equipment and equipment support between 2017 and 2027, making sure our Armed Forces have what they need to do their job.
- Investing in four new Dreadnought class ballistic missile submarines to maintain the UK's independent nuclear deterrent.
- Putting an extra £24 million into counter-terrorism policing in the wake of last year's terror attacks.
In a more dangerous world, we will protect our people, territories, value and interests, at home and overseas, through strong armed forces and in partnership with allies.
