Phil Brickell

Phil Brickell

Labour — Bolton West

Speaking in the House of Commons on 27 November 2024

Debate

UK Air and Missile Defences

Contribution

The hon. Member makes an important point about the importance of the defence sector across all four nations of the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State also spoke at the Farnborough International Airshow about the importance of driving prosperity and creating skilled jobs across the country. But defence cannot be done on the cheap—we will have to put our hands in our pockets. It is an investment, not a cost, and I must urge the Government to reach the 2.5% of GDP defence spending target at the earliest opportunity so that the rogue states causing ongoing geopolitical instability know that their continued unlawful aggression will not and cannot win. To conclude, the threats we face are very real, as are the resourcing, production capacity and resilience needs. I look forward to further measures from the new Government to show their resolve to stand up to Putin, invest in our defence capability and increase domestic manufacturing capacity.

More from Phil Brickell

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Phil Brickell's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Phil Brickell report card.