Following the Prime Minister’s statement on securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, George Freeman commends the PM’s efforts to rally international support and to strengthen our military capability. He asks when a business plan will be put forward to fund the likely £60 to £70 billion needed over the next five to ten years, to ensure our military is credible, serious, and affordable.
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)
I add my voice to those congratulating the Prime Minister on the way he has conducted the last week and on the policy, which I think enjoys if not unanimous then largely unanimous support in this House. I gently point out to the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) that our enemies watch this Chamber, and that speaking with one voice is very important. I also congratulate the Leader of the Opposition.
Does the Prime Minister agree that, as well as willing the ends, we need to will the means? At what point does he think he will bring forward a business plan for how we fund what is likely to be £60 billion or possibly £70 billion over the next five to 10 years, so that our military threat is credible, serious and something we can actually afford?
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
As soon as we have any details around plans, I will bring them to the House so that they can be fully discussed, because this needs to be not just a short-term response but a much longer-term assessment of how we ensure that Europe is kept safe and secure.