MPs united on defence spending increases

PM'S ANNOUCEMENT IS ALSO HAILED AS 'BOOST' FOR CITY

- ANDY PHILLIPS

PLYMOUTH MPs representing both Labour and the Conservatives have welcomed the commitment by Prime Minister to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.

Labour MPs Luke Pollard and Fred Thomas and Rebecca Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon, all welcomed the announcement over the rise, describing it as vital for safety and a 'boost for Plymouth'

Unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week, the commitment will see the biggest investment in defence spending since the Cold War, as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year. The announcement also offers an economic boost for the region, as the Ministry of Defence spent £6.9 billion in the South West in 2023/24, the second highest amount of any UK region.