East Devon MP Simon Jupp writes his weekly column for this title.

The defence of our nation must always remain a top priority.

Hostile state activity poses a direct threat to both our security and prosperity at home – with the soaring bills caused by Putin’s war in Ukraine, disruption to global trade caused by the Iranian backed Houthis in the Red Sea, and the cyber-attacks that often originate in Russia, China, North Korea or Iran. These impact UK citizens and businesses every year.

The Prime Minister’s pledge to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030 is another positive step. This fully-funded pledge is the biggest strengthening of our national defence in a generation.  

Defence spending has been on an upwards trajectory every year since I have been an MP since 2019, increasing by £41 billion in that time. The government has been investing in the right things: our nuclear deterrent; NATO, with 16,000 troops deployed to Europe this year; and our conventional forces, including new Typhoons, Chinooks, F35s, ships and submarines.

The latest defence spending statistics show the South West is leading the way. The South West is the top ranked region for defence spending on a per head basis. That is thanks to cutting-edge companies like Dunkeswell-based Supacat who make military vehicles and Yeovil-based Leonardo who make helicopters. I have made the case in Parliament for even more defence jobs in the South West.

Defence spending is helping our Armed Forces right now. They are patrolling the Arctic Circle as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force, protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and policing the skies above Eastern Europe.

People in East Devon are rightly proud of what our Armed Forces do. Our area is home to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) and The Royal Marine Charity’s headquarters in Lympstone. Many veterans come back to make East Devon home.

Those who do serve our country deserve a government that backs them and puts its money where its mouth is.

Whilst the Conservative government is backing our Armed Forces, Labour provide hollow soundbites and the Lib Dems sit meekly on the fence, hoping nobody notices.