Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 14 May 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 May 2019. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 May 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Finance

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to use funds made available from the UK’s contributions to EU defence spending to facilitate an increase in UK defence spending after Brexit.

Answer: The first duty of any Government is the safety and security of the British people at home and abroad. That is why we have committed to spending at least 2% of our GDP on Defence every year of this Parliament. We prioritise our Defence spending to ensure the British people and UK interests are protected. This includes making contributions to support and uphold our international relationships with key partners. As set out in the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the Government has offered to cooperate closely on defence and security, as part of an ambitious security partnership, on a case-by-case basis, where of mutual benefit.

Secondary information