UK defence bonds

That this House believes that, in a world made more dangerous by President Trump's reckless war in the Middle East, Russian aggression in Europe and growing uncertainty over this White House's commitment to NATO, the UK cannot afford to continue drifting on defence; recognises the urgent need to rebuild the country’s armed forces and strengthen national resilience; welcomes the Liberal Democrat proposal for defence bonds to raise up to £20 billion over two years for capital investment in defence equipment and capability; notes that such a scheme would back British industry, jobs and innovation while giving the public a direct stake in strengthening the nation’s security; further believes that defence bonds would help increase Britain’s strategic autonomy and support the goal of increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP; and calls on the Government to establish a capped and time-limited defence bonds programme subject to strong parliamentary oversight.