The past week has seen the marking of the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Much has been made over recent developments in the latest discussions involving Ukraine, the US, the United Kingdom and other European nations but it is worth stepping back a little and taking the time to reflect on the sacrifices made by Ukrainians in defence of their country.
It has also provided an opportunity to thank charities, local organisations and people in Llanelli and across the rest of the UK who have opened up their homes to Ukrainians and worked hard to support those displaced by the conflict.
I am proud that this government continues to stand by Ukraine and its people in difficult times. Most recently, this has included a new package of support to provide key military equipment, an industrial treaty to increase the production of military hardware and a loan of £2.2bn to be repaid using profits from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets.
Support for Ukraine is a key focus of its approach to national security, ensuring we are secure at home and strong abroad.
What the last few months has shown is that we are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our country and our continent. Global instability, Russian aggression in Ukraine, increasing threats from malign actors and rapid technological disruption have all contributed to a deteriorating security landscape.
Resolving the Ukraine crisis through protecting its sovereignty is imperative. That is why we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine and committed to contributing further military support, if needed, to uphold Europe’s collective security.
Labour has a well-documented history of standing up to keep Britain safe. Just as our predecessors stood with Churchill through the Second World War, created NATO and won the peace, we will provide the response this moment demands.
As a major European power, the UK must now step up to safeguard continental security on an enduring basis. That’s the reason why this Labour Government is increasing defence investment to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 – paid for with funding from the International Aid budget. We have also stated our ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament as economic and fiscal conditions allow.
This will deliver the biggest sustained boost to defence spending since the Cold War, safeguarding our collective security and funding the capabilities, technology and industrial capacity needed to keep the UK and our allies safe. We will direct more defence investment to British-based businesses and harness a new partnership with innovators, investors and industry, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the UK, including many here in Wales.
National security is the first duty of government. Difficult decisions are sometimes necessary. However, we will not shy away from taking the action required to protect our nation and our people.