Defence Secretary: Britain's Defence Is Stepping Up

The Defence Secretary has told Forces News that Britain's military is not stepping back, but it is stepping up.

Speaking in Llandudno, where this year's national Armed Forces Day event was taking place Gavin Williamson reiterated that the Ministry of Defence needed the budget so that the UK could keep playing a part on the world stage. 

Thousands of people lined the promenade to greet the Prime Minister, who was also in Llandudno for Armed Forces Day celebrations.

However, Theresa May failed to confirm whether Gavin Williamson had apologised

Last week it was reported that the Defence Secretary said he could ‘break’ the Prime Minister in conversations surrounding his ongoing battle to secure more money from the Treasury.

They were believed at one point to be firm allies but since the rumoured spat it seems relations between the pair have become more frosty, with Theresa May deciding to seat her husband between her and her Defence Secretary during the parade.

Today the Prime Minister was asked by a Sky News reporter whether the Defence Secretary had apologised to her. She responded, not by answering the question directly, but instead talking about the UK’s commitment to defence spending.

If the pair have rekindled their political friendship, the Prime Minister wasn’t letting on.

Gavin Williamson wasn't letting on either.

He said: "Today we mark the 10th Armed Forces Day and it remains a valuable opportunity to honour our troops who work so hard to keep us safe.

"Our servicemen and women are on hand every hour of every day to protect us from the threats we face and today I encourage people across the UK to come together and salute them for their tireless commitment."

On choosing Salisbury's for next years event: "Salisbury was a natural choice to host Armed Forces Day in 2019.

"The city has a historic link with our Armed Forces and our troops demonstrated once again their bravery, dedication and skill during the central role they played following the reckless nerve agent attack here this year.

"Our extraordinary servicemen and women continue to help Salisbury and the people of this beautiful cathedral city through the clear up and investigation, and it's extremely fitting that next year the city and the entire nation will be able to thank them here for their commitment and unwavering service to protecting our nation from the deadliest of threats.

Jeremy Corbyn, although not in attendance of the parade in Llandudno, posted a message on social media thanking the Armed Forces.

"For all of your sacrifices and all that you have done for us, we must do so much more for you. Labour strongly supports the Armed Forces Covenant, by which this country promises that those who have served and their families are treated fairly whether its healthcare housing or pay, 

We must do more to ensure that our duty to you matches your service to us".

This message was echoed in a post from Shadow Defence Secretary, Nia Griffith.

"We owe a solemn and abiding duty to all those who put their lives on the line in defence of our security and our freedom.

That duty should be at the very forefront of our minds in this centenary year as people come together to mark one hundred years since the end of the First World War."