ILKLEY’S MP has welcomed an additional £24.1 billion in defence funding from the government.

The funding is the biggest investment in the nation’s defence over the last 30 years. The government says increased spending will allow it to invest in cutting-edge technology, positioning the UK as a global leader in domains such as cyber and space and cement the UK’s position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in NATO. It says the money will also help create 10,000 more jobs a year over the next four years.

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said: “I have recently seen first hand the commitment and motivation of our armed forces. Through training with the RAF and speaking to veterans in my constituency I have a good idea of what we need to protect our nation’s assets at home and overseas.

“Technology has taken major leaps over the last three decades, and it continues to change at pace. To stay competitive we need to be at the cutting edge of that technology and this investment will allow for that. There will be more opportunities for people here to serve the country, and thousands more jobs will be created indirectly through the supply chain and in supporting roles.

“Keighley and Ilkley is a constituency that respects its armed forces and we saw that earlier this month during the period of remembrance. I am delighted to represent the party that is not shy in saying we are proud of our country and its armed forces.”

Wen he announced the increased funding last week Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first.

“The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies. To achieve this we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board.

“This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our Armed Forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life.”

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said:“This is excellent news for Defence, and provides us with the financial certainty we need to modernise, plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face. It demonstrates the Prime Minister’s recognition of how important Defence is to our resilience and to the reputation of the United Kingdom.