'At this once in a generation moment, we must step up on defence and security'

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We face a new era of global instability, and this Labour government will meet that threat with a decisive boost in our armed forces.

The world has changed. The nature of warfare has changed. The threats we now face are more serious and less predictable than at any time in a generation. At this once in a generation moment, we must step up – and we will. The Prime Minister’s pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in 2027 means backing our armed forces after years of hollowing out under the last Conservative government.

Delivering on our promise will see an additional £13.4bn invested into defence to make Britain stronger, safer and more secure. But in the short term this can only be funded through hard choices. That means we will cut our spending on overseas development assistance.

We know what a tough decision that is to make. We are proud of our pioneering record on overseas development, and we will continue to play a key humanitarian role in Sudan, in Ukraine and in Gaza, tackling climate change, supporting multinational efforts on global health and challenges like vaccination.

But in recent years the development budget has been redirected towards asylum backlogs, paying for hotels. So, as we are clearing that backlog at a record pace the need to cut spending on our overseas programmes will be reduced.

But nonetheless, it remains a cut – and we will not pretend otherwise. You can have our reassurance that this government will do everything we can to return to a world where that is not the case and rebuild our capacity on development.

But at times like this, the defence and security of the British people must always come first. That is the number one duty of this Labour Government and the foundation of our Plan for Change, that seeks to make working people better off.

The first test of our defence policy is quite rightly whether it keeps our country safe. But the second is whether it improves the conditions of the British people, does it help provide the economic security that working people need.

That is why we will use this investment as an opportunity. We will translate defence spending into British growth, British jobs, British skills, British innovation and rebuilding our industrial base. Our Industrial Strategy will make defence an engine for growth, ensuring that the benefits of this new era are felt right across Britain to improve living standards.

We must meet the threats of our age – together and with strength. At moments like these throughout our past, Britain has stood up to be counted. It has come together with resolve and strength.

As we once again face aggression, war and wider threats across Europe this country, and this Labour government, will do so again.