Bold action for Britain in an uncertain world - Conservatives unveil plans for defence

The Conservatives have unveiled their plan to meet the challenge of a less secure world. This clear plan includes spending a historic 2.5 percent of GDP on defence by 2030, an ambition to become the largest defence exporter in Europe and ensuring British citizens overseas have a strong voice in government championing their interests. 

With the Prime Minister attending the G7 conference in Italy, the manifesto sets out a clear vision for UK leadership over the next five years. It is a plan which grasps the challenges and opportunities presented by today's world. 

The raft of measures include: 

1. Increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030 and campaigning to get all our NATO allies to this number – a pledge not matched by Labour 
2. Modernising our nuclear deterrent by building four nuclear submarines and investing almost £800 million in the UK's nuclear skills base 
3. Ambition to become the largest defence exporter in Europe by 2030, turbocharging high-skilled jobs in Britain's defence sector and boosting our defence capabilities 
4. A programme of National Service for young people, which will forge a stronger sense of duty among all generations to the nation 
5. New National Defence and Resilience Plan to assess and improve our nation's security, preparedness and resilience 
6. Building on our relationships with Europe with new defensive treaties to match that we have with France under Lancaster House 
7. Committing at least 5% of the defence budget to Research and Development  
8. Continuing to lead the world with our support for Ukraine, securing additional military supplies for Ukraine and building international agreement to use immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine. 
9. Appointing a Minister for British Citizens Overseas who will work cross-government to represent their interests. 
10. Improving military procurement through a new Integrated Procurement Model 

This vision will see huge investment in our armed forces. It will accelerate their transition to a modern fighting force fit for a more dangerous world. And it will strengthen the UK's foreign and diplomatic ties with our allies. 

In a less stable world, we must pay a higher price for our national security. This is a fact of global politics in 2024. The Conservatives have put forward a clear plan for a secure future.  

The Conservatives' commitment to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030 will be a cornerstone of Britain's campaign to get other NATO countries to match it. It has not been matched by Labour.  

As well as failing to support the Conservatives' clear plan for defence, we are yet to see what plans Labour has to improve our nation's precious security. 

David Cameron, Foreign Secretary, said: 

“Red lights are flashing on the global dashboard.   

“The world today is more dangerous, more volatile than many of us have ever known. And what happens abroad matters here at home.     

“In a time of danger and insecurity, Rishi Sunak and I are clear that we must adopt a harder edge for a tougher world. We can determine our own destiny if we have the courage to act – and we have demonstrated that courage.  

“Labour has shown us no plan or vision for how Britain should face up to a more confrontational, contested world.  

“Only the Conservatives have a clear plan for leadership in the world that helps to build a more secure future.”  

 Grant Shapps, Defence Secretary, said: 

“Safety at home starts with security abroad and the world is more volatile than many of us have ever known.  

“The Labour Party's empty promises and continued refusal to back any of our defence commitments are deeply concerning. It signals that Starmer is not serious about security. 

“There is only one party which will make sure Britain becomes safer, and the world more stable. The choice between the two on such an important issue is clear as day.”