The world is becoming more dangerous. From the war in Ukraine to growing instability across the Middle East, Britain faces threats that cannot simply be ignored. At times like these, the first duty of government is clear: protect the country.
Recent attacks on British bases and service personnel in Cyprus and Bahrain underline just how serious the situation has become. British forces are on the front line of protecting our interests and supporting our allies. When they come under threat, the government must be prepared to act decisively.
Yet despite these brazen provocations, Sir Keir Starmer has refused to authorise the RAF to neutralise Iranian missile sites responsible for attacks on Western forces. At a moment that demands leadership, Britain has instead seen hesitation.
Britain cannot afford weakness when our security and our alliances are at stake.
Standing With Those Who Serve
This is not an abstract debate. Men and women from Hemel Hempstead and across Hertfordshire proudly serve in our Armed Forces today.
They serve in the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, often far from home and family, protecting Britain’s interests and supporting our allies around the world. Our community is rightly proud of their service and their sacrifice.
When we debate defence spending in Westminster, we are talking about the equipment, training and support that those serving from communities like Hemel rely upon to do their jobs safely and effectively.
They deserve a government that will always put their safety, and Britain’s security, first.
Strength Through Defence
In an increasingly dangerous world, our Armed Forces must have the resources they need to defend Britain and our allies. That means increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP by the end of this Parliament.
This is not simply a number. It represents the investment needed to rebuild military capability, expand our armed forces, and ensure Britain remains a serious global power able to deter those who threaten us.
But Labour has refused to explain how it would reach this target. While they talk about defence, they have been quick to commit billions more to welfare spending. That raises serious questions about their priorities.
Government is always about choices. At a time when global instability is rising, defence must come first.
A Clear Conservative Plan: Defence Over Dependency
The Conservative Party has set out a responsible approach to strengthening Britain’s security. By maintaining firm control of welfare spending, including keeping the two-child benefit cap, billions of pounds can be redirected towards strengthening the country’s defences.
These savings could help fund a major boost to Britain’s military capability, including:
Expanding the size of the Armed Forces
Recruiting thousands more personnel
Investing in equipment, readiness and resilience
In short, ensuring Britain remains strong in a world where strength matters.
Leadership in a Dangerous World
While Labour refuses to set out a credible path to higher defence spending, and other parties lack a coherent foreign policy altogether, the Conservative Party remains united in its determination to defend Britain’s national interest.
The truth is simple: national security cannot wait.
Britain must be able to protect itself from overseas threats, support our allies, and deter those who wish to do us harm. That requires leadership, clarity and the willingness to invest in our Armed Forces.
And for the servicemen and women from Hemel who wear the uniform of our country, we owe them nothing less.
