Defence spending: Talks on 3% needed as soon as possible

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the Prime Minister's announcement that UK defence spending is to rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“The Liberal Democrats fully support raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as a minimum, as quickly as possible. I hope today's announcement will mean the rapid reversal of the Conservative Party's shortsighted and irresponsible decision to cut our Armed Forces by 10,000 troops.

“But given the threat to our security posed by Putin and Trump, the Government must go further and bring all parties together to agree an increase to 3% of GDP as soon as possible.

“By cosying up to Putin, Donald Trump is threatening to betray not only our Ukrainian allies, but the British people and the whole of Europe too. Now it is up to the UK to stand up and lead in Europe, for the safety and security of us all.”

ENDS