Defence Minister James Cartlidge says that supplying munitions to Ukraine has depleted the UK’s stockpiles as he outlines the reasons for an increase in defence spending. His comments come after Rishi Sunak’s new pledge that the UK will spend 2.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence by the end of the decade, amounting to 75 billion pounds. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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00:00 I think in terms of Barringfield, but you're referring to the live test firing of Challenger
00:03 3 yesterday in Germany, which I had the privilege to attend, underlining we are procuring some of
00:09 the most highly capable kit we ever have done for the UK. Challenger 3 is a brilliant tank.
00:13 But you're absolutely right. Of course, we're putting more money in. We now want to see that
00:17 get to the front line. As Minister for Defence Procurement, I have to ensure it's spent effectively.
00:22 So the most important part of that spending, which we have set out, as the Prime Minister emphasised,
00:27 is to get back to having effective stockpiles of munitions. Because I think the British public
00:33 have actually strongly supported our efforts in Ukraine. They've been so important. But they've
00:36 wanted to know that as we are gifting aid to Ukraine, we are also not losing out at home,
00:43 that we are supporting our own armed forces. That's why I think the most important part of
00:47 what we set out is this £10 billion to munitions. That will see us procuring significant new stocks,
00:53 missiles, shells, the key munitions we need. And I'm pleased to say a significant part will be made
00:58 in the UK supporting jobs and prosperity around the country. The amount of cash we'll be spending
01:02 when we get to 2.5% is £75 billion more than we're spending today. That's why we talk about
01:08 £75 billion extra. And as I've just said, I think the most important part of that is our munitions
01:12 plan. Obviously, there will be further spending plans that come on the back of this. We will now
01:16 work through that with the armed forces to set out our plans.