Defence Sec 'much more minded' to send older equipment to Ukraine

This is a turning point in UK defence. We must spend more because defence of the realm is the first duty of every government and on this side of the House we recognise that fact. But whilst I want to see peace and of course international order being restored, I’m also absolutely convinced that it’s hopeful thinking, even complacency, to imagine that we can do that without ensuring we are better protected. The best way of keeping a country safe and to protect our way of life is deterrence. Being prepared, being clear eyed about the threats we face. Being clear about our capabilities. Backing UK defence science, technology and innovation. Carrying not just a big stick, but the most advanced and capable stick that we can possibly develop. And yes, using our military muscle alongside our allies, our investment in our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent makes would be adversaries think twice. And on this side of the House, we haven’t just come to the conclusion that our nation’s nuclear deterrent is there because an election is approaching. We have always believed in our nuclear deterrent. This, this is an additional 75 billion boost for our armed forces. And in the build up to the NATO summit in Washington are do all I can to get alliance members to follow our lead, to bolster their armed forces, to strengthen their industrial base, invest in innovation, maximise their military deterrence and to maximise their support for Ukraine. Most importantly of all, because in a more dangerous world, when we face an access of authoritarian states, 2 1/2 percent must now become the new baseline for the entire alliance if we’re to deter, lead and defend. That is what is required of us and I commend this statement to the House. He’s mentioned an additional 75 billion five times in his statement. Over the next six years, the government’s official spending plans are based on a nought .5% real annual growth in court defence spending. Why has he invented his own zero growth baseline to produce this fake figure claiming an extra £75 billion for defence? Mr. Speaker, the public will judge ministers by what they do, not what they say. And over 14 years they’ve hollowed out our armed forces. They’ve cut the army to its smallest size and it’s Napoleon. They’ve missed their own recruitment targets each and every year, they’ve allowed morale to fall to record lows and they’ve wasted at least 15 billion on mismanaging defence procurement. I can confirm to the House we won’t be using the 75 billion for 20 new aircraft carriers. He mentions an interesting point about what we could do with the older equipment. I have to say to my right honourable friend, right now I’m much more minded to send that equipment to Ukraine and that’s why yesterday I pulled together the biggest package of donation to date in this now into the third year war of equipment to Ukraine. I think for the time being we’ll be sending it in the easterly direction.