A GOVERNMENT commitment to spend an extra £12 billion on new equipment for the Armed Forces has been backed by Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins.

The former soldier said strengthening national security is vital given the increased threats the UK now faced.

Prime Minister David Cameron – outlining the main conclusions of the Strategic Defence and Security Review in the Commons – added that during the next decade, £178 billion will be spent on military hardware. This will include new F-35 fast jets, maritime patrol aircraft, Royal Navy frigates and more than 20 unmanned drones.

And Mr Cameron – speaking after a visit to Paris, where a terrorist atrocity claimed the lives of 132 people earlier this month – also confirmed the creation of two 5,000-strong 'strike brigades', capable of rapid deployment anywhere in the world.

Mr Hopkins, who sat on the frontbench to hear the PM's statement, said: "It is the first duty of any British Government to protect its citizens and safeguard national security.

"These are responsibilities my ministerial colleagues and I take very seriously indeed.

"We live in a time when threats to our country are growing and we must be ready to confront them, wherever they exist.

"Alongside our Armed Forces, which remain the finest in the world, we will continue to provide whatever support is required by our counter-terrorism police and security services, including MI5 and MI6.

"The extra £12 billion for equipment can be made available because of the continuing strength of our economy.

"It is money very well spent as we redouble our efforts to defeat the terrorist evils we face and keep our country safe."