Tri-Service
Osborne: UK Can Cope With Whatever The World Throws At Us
George Osborne says the military should use the safeguarded 2% pledge of national income spent on the forces to "project Britain" abroad.
The Chancellor says the promised increase in defence would be to “deal with whatever the world throws at us”.
The UK has taken delivery of its first two Lightning II aircraft which, together with a number of military personnel, are stationed at Eglin AFB, Florida.
In the recent budget, Mr Osborne made the surprise commitment on defence spending would increase and be protected – despite repeatedly refusing to make such a pledge before the election.
“I am a great believer in Britain defending itself, defending its values, projecting itself and its values overseas,” he said. “I’m a great believer that it is not credible to talk about those things unless you pay for it."
“We have got to make sure this money is well spent, that we work with our Armed Forces to give Britain the very best capability to deal with whatever the world throw at us.”
Asked whether he expected the additional money to be used for frontline combat, the Chancellor added: “We don’t seek conflict but we are certainly ready for every eventuality.”
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