The announcement by the Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, and the Prime Minister - that the UK would increase its spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP (from 2.0% at present) represents an additional commitment of £75bn over the rest of this decade. This is essential, and timely.
It's clear to everyone that this is a more dangerous world - the peace of the post-Cold War years is now at risk, and it is no longer a theoretical risk. We've already seen what can happen with Putin's invasion of Ukraine meaning there is war on our continent again.
I was pleased to speak with the Defence Secretary this evening and discuss the distinction between this Conservative government and the Labour Party whose leader twice sought to get Jeremy Corbyn elected, on a promise of dissolving the Army into a Peace Corps.
