The British Armed Forces do a brilliant job of managing threats to the UK and our international interests and keeping the peace. However, these threats are ever changing as modern warfare techniques are developed and advanced.
During Armed Forces Week, hosted here in Cornwall, we commemorate the dedication and sacrifice of our armed forces personnel in the past and appreciate and recognise the continuing service of all those engaged in fending off threat and working for peace.
Support for Ukraine: The UK provided £2.3 billion worth of military support to Ukraine in 2022 – more than any country other than the US – and the Prime Minister has committed to sustain that level of support this year.
Nuclear deterrent: The UK’s current nuclear deterrent is provided by four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) which house the Trident II D5A missile and its Mk4/ Holbrook warhead. Approximately 6% of the annual defence budget is spent on maintaining the UK nuclear deterrent.
Support for veterans: The UK owes a debt of gratitude to its serving armed forces and to veterans. In recent years additional support has been made available in relation to travel, housing, mental health services and the Armed Forces Covenant which is intended to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.
Northern Ireland - Legacy and Reconciliation: Legislation is passing through Parliament that proposes to limit criminal investigations, legal proceedings, inquests and police complaints, extend the prisoner release scheme in the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998, and provide for experiences to be recorded and preserved and for events to be studied and memorialised.
The short survey will help me to understand what you believe should be the priority for Government as we equip and sustain our armed forces.