A Conservative government will meet the Nato target of spending at least two per cent of the nation’s wealth on defence and will increase spending on the military every year until 2022, Theresa May has announced.
In what Tory high command believes is a strong electoral card, the Prime Minister will seek to contrast her party’s commitment to maintaining strong national security to Labour’s “nonsensical” policies, in which Jeremy Corbyn has “wavered” on the UK’s commitment to the western alliance, the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent and RAF strikes against so-called Islamic State.
Confirming the commitment, Mrs May said: “As Prime Minister I always have and always will put Britain’s national security first.
“That is why if elected on June 8, I will ensure that the UK continues to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence and that the budget rises every year.”
As well as the two per cent of GDP pledge, the Tory leader also said that, if re-elected, a Conservative administration would increase the defence budget by at least 0.5 per cent above inflation in every year of the new Parliament ie until 2022/23.
The PM said: “Under my leadership the Conservatives will ensure that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces have the equipment and resources they need to keep our country safe and that we meet our obligations to the world.
“But a strong military is only possible with a strong economy, and Jeremy Corbyn would put both at risk if he makes it to Downing Street propped up by the Lib Dems and SNP in a coalition of chaos.”
She added: “Only a vote for me and my Conservative team will deliver the strong and stable leadership that is vital for our national security.”
Britain is only one of five out of 28 Nato member states to spend two per cent of GDP on defence.
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