Contribution
It is a pleasure to speak in the debate on “fresh hope for the future”, and that title could not be more timely. Across the world, we are living through a period of uncertainty unlike any that many of us have experienced in our lifetime. The challenges we face today are different from those faced by previous generations. Alongside the traditional military threats, we face cyber-attacks, threats to our critical national infrastructure, hostile state activity and economic instability across the globe. In a world like this, national security cannot be an afterthought. In my constituency, we have known that for generations; it is the backbone of the economy and our community. For many of us, defence runs in our blood and in our ancestry, but for too long, communities like mine were asked to believe Conservative promises. We were repeatedly told that defence was the highest priority, yet year after year, we saw programmes delayed, budgets squeezed, and our industry and economy hanging in the balance. That disrupted the lives of my constituents and undermined our national security.
The Conservatives claim that they are the party of defence. They stand here today and make more promises that they cannot fulfil. By the time they had left office, the National Audit Office was warning of an “unaffordable equipment programme”. They were running up a bill of tens of billions of pounds that they could not pay. In Barrow, those failed promises have a cost. It impacts investment decisions, training and development opportunities, the supply chain industry and, most critically, confidence for working families that they can put food on the table. That is why this Budget matters. It builds on previous work from the Government to support our national security, and it moves us away from the short-term thinking that characterised the Conservative years.
The full funding of the defence investment plan gives industry, workers and communities the confidence that this Government’s commitments are backed by resources, not just rhetoric. Fully funding the DIP sends a powerful message—one that my constituents are well aware of: by investing in defence, we support and empower our communities, our businesses and our national security. Through the defence investment plan, we will deliver stronger military capability, protect our at-sea nuclear deterrent through building up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines, and help supply chain businesses all over the country to reach their full potential. We are doing this partly through the innovative defence financing taskforce. For a long time, I have called for a financing and procurement system fit for the modern age. Too many small and medium-sized enterprises are held back by complicated bidding processes, timeline pressures and a risk-averse culture. This taskforce is the first step in addressing those issues. Like many of my colleagues, I firmly believe that it is a priority for us to reach 3% of GDP on defence spending. This is why I was glad to hear the Chancellor confirm last week that the details will be set out at next year’s spending review. This Government are prioritising investment in defence and ensuring that the path to 3% is built on sound financial planning, rather than soundbites.
Hope does not only come in the form of long-term investment, though; it also comes through addressing issues that are smaller-scale but no less important. I want to thank the Government for listening on an issue that I recently raised with the Prime Minister. Just two weeks ago, we spoke in this Chamber about my constituent Ian, who requires access to a life-extending medicine. After the June announcement that the application of VAT would be reformed, the drug’s developer withdrew from the scheme through which the drug was provided. Ian was left with no remaining options. With nowhere left to turn, his family were left with an awful choice: find the money to fund the huge cost themselves or, even more unfairly, lose remaining time with their loved one. That is why I welcome the Government’s announcement on VAT and donated medicines. Creating an exemption for medicines is a practical and compassionate measure that will ensure that life-changing treatments can reach those who need them the most.
For Ian, this Budget has provided something priceless: hope for his health, and hope that the Government are listening. That is what links this Budget together. Whether it is the apprentice in Barrow looking towards a skilled career in our defence industry, the local business planning to expand with confidence because of long-term investment, or a constituent gaining access to life-extending medication, this Budget is about creating the conditions for a better future. Barrow and Furness has always stepped up when our country has needed us. This Budget demonstrates that, in turn, this Government are stepping up for Barrow and Furness.