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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour) on Friday, 15 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 March 2024. It was answered by James Heappey (Conservative) on Monday, 25 March 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of trends in the level of his Department's budget on the operational capability of the armed forces.

Answer

Since 2020 UK defence spending has seen several substantial increases, starting with a £20 billion cash increase in SR20, additional funding for munitions and wider resilience, as well as an additional £11 billion as part of the 2023 Spring Statement

Over the next decade we have increased the budget for our Equipment Plan to £288.6 billion to ensure that the Armed Forces have the next generation equipment they need to defend Britain and maintain a strategic advantage.

During this time we have continued to meet all operational commitments, including participating in every single NATO mission, as well as supporting the Granting in Kind of equipment, and training to Ukraine.

We recognise the world is more uncertain and volatile than it has been for several years, and we have set out our longer-term aspiration to invest 2.5% of GDP on defence when the fiscal and economic circumstances allow.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18933
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Armed forces Finance Ministry of Defence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk