Motion text
That this House calls on the Government to bring forward legislative proposals to require that a minimum of 3% of GDP be allocated to defence spending; recognises that defence spending is at a three-year high but should be protected to prevent economic downturns from impacting the defence budget adversely; believes that this budget increase must be directly linked to force readiness; notes that, at a time where the world is in turmoil due to the ambitions of Russia, Iran, Hamas and others, we need the strongest British military capability possible; accepts that weakness is provocative and makes aggressors more aggressive; further believes that we need a better-funded British Armed Forces to support our men and women in uniform and promote armed forces careers as careers of choice; further notes that the starting salary for service personnel, after training, will be £23,496 from April 2023, whereas the mean average salary for all workers in the UK is £33,402; also believes that this disparity needs redress, as does support for post-service life; recognises that the Government has taken laudable steps to support allies in the world and support veterans at home; understands that there is a historic temptation to undermine defence of the Realm in favour of domestic spending; and views the peace dividend as the height of short-term thinking.
Signatures (6)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Watling, Giles
Conservative
Signed on
4 March 2024
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
6 March 2024
Gray, James
Conservative
Signed on
7 March 2024
Francois, Mr Mark
Conservative
Signed on
20 March 2024
Wilson, Sammy
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
21 March 2024
Girvan, Paul
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
23 April 2024
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.