Ulster Unionist leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has welcomed a major increase in UK Defence spending which the Prime Minister announced today.
Mr Aiken said:
“The Ulster Unionist Party welcomes the announcement today of an extra £16.5 Bn being spent on our armed forces. This very important commitment to the security of our nation and also our allies allows the United Kingdom to start preparing for the very uncertain world in which we now live.
“We also hope with the expansion in the Royal Navy shipbuilding programme, the commitment to unmanned air vehicles for the RAF, the expansion of cyber & space capabilities and enhancements to the Army, that there will be a direct impact on increasing job security and creation in Northern Ireland.
“Finally, for the many people from Northern Ireland who serve, both in the regular and reserve forces - at a considerably greater proportion per head of population than the other regions of our nation - the expansion and modernisation of our forces will allow them to fight and win against even the strongest adversaries, helping immeasurably to defend our nation and way of life.”