PM pledges to commit 2pc of GDP for defence spending

THE PRIME Minister says her Government would meet the Nato commitment to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence.

She also said she would increase the defence budget by at least 0.5 per cent above inflation in every year of the new Parliament if elected on the June 8.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “The first job of a Prime Minister is to keep the country safe and the manifesto commitment will ensure that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces are well-equipped to play an active role in the world.

“Theresa May’s strong support for our national security is in stark contrast to nonsensical policies of Jeremy Corbyn who has wavered over the UK’s commitment to NATO, the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent and RAF strikes to target Daesh.”

Theresa 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.

“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.”

The commitment will ensure the UK’s defence budget rises by 0.5 per cent above inflation every year to 2022-23 – two years longer than previously announced.

The United Kingdom of one of only five Nato countries to spend two per cent of GDP on defence.

Former Liberal Democrat leader and ex-Royal Marine Paddy Ashdown said: “This Conservative government has slashed funding on defence, cut our Royal Marines and left our troops on the front line without basic equipment.

“Billions has been spent on big ticket items that we may not even have enough troops to use.”