Gavin scores victory with £1bn for defence
A £1 billion funding boost for defence will enable Britain to remain as a world leader for its armed forces, Gavin Williamson has said.
The Defence Secretary scored a major victory in the Budget after Chancellor Philip Hammond committed the cash boost for the military over the next two years.
South Staffordshire MP Mr Williamson has campaigned for more cash for the armed forces since he landed the top job at the Ministry of Defence last November.
Mr Hammond said the money would boost cyber capabilities and anti-submarine warfare.
Responding to the Chancellor's announcement, he said: "The extra £1billion for defence on top of the £800million increase this summer represents a substantial financial boost and reaffirms our commitment to protecting national security.
"Not only will this funding ensure we continue to have world-leading armed forces, but it will also allow defence to modernise our critical assets, such as our offensive cyber capabilities, anti-submarine warfare and our nuclear deterrent."
The cash will also allow the MoD to deliver on plans set out in the Strategic Defence Review 2015, Mr Williamson confirmed.
The Treasury has also announced it will donate £10m to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, to support veterans on the centenary of the first world war armistice.
Mr Williamson said: "It’s right that we do everything we can to support those who have so bravely served this country."
