Keir Starmer is set to argue that increased investment in national security will be “felt directly in the pockets of working people” in the form of a “defence dividend”.
The prime minister will deliver a keynote speech at the London Defence Conference on Tuesday morning as he marks VE Day. He is expected to say that the government’s plan to boost defence investment in a “changing world” will have wider economic benefits.
Starmer will expand on the conference theme of “Alliances” in his address, as he sets out his vision for how the state, businesses and society can come together to ensure both security and prosperity.
The prime minister is expected to argue that a “defence dividend” will be created by the government’s increased investment in national security, through the “rebuilding” of Britain’s industrial base and by “creating the jobs of the future”
Earlier this year, the prime minister announced that defence spending will increase to 2.5 per cent of GDP from April 2027, with an ambition to reach 3 per cent in the next parliament.
Announcing the defence spending plan, Starmer said the UK’s aid budget would be reduced from 0.5 per cent of gross national income to 0.3 per cent in 2027 to fund the uplift.
At the time, the PM commented: “It is my first duty as prime minister to keep our country safe. In an ever more dangerous world, increasing the resilience of our country so we can protect the British people, resist future shocks and bolster British interests, is vital.”
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Addressing an audience of policymakers, military figures, defence firms and academics on Tuesday, Starmer will also unveil a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets.
Starmer is expected to say: “Our task now is to seize the defence dividend – felt directly in the pockets of working people, rebuilding our industrial base and creating the jobs of the future.
“A national effort. A time for the state, business and society to join hands, in pursuit of the security of the nation and the prosperity of its people.
“An investment in peace, but also an investment in British pride and the British people to build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to the generation who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.”
Downing Street has said the work to maintain 130 Typhoon engines will take place at Rolls-Royce’s sites, supporting hundreds of jobs in Bristol and beyond.
The prime minister’s speech will also pay tribute to the veterans of the Second World War and current serving military personnel.
Starmer will say: “Britain’s victory was not just a victory for Britain. It was a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil, for the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out.
“Now, as you know, there are people who would happily do likewise today. Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis. We must use this moment to deliver security and renewal for our country.”
Downing Street has said the prime minister will reiterate his “iron-clad commitment to NATO and Western Values”, and argue that the conference theme of alliances represents a model for how the state, business and society can work together.
The prime minister’s address at the London Defence Conference comes after he hosted Second World War veterans and cadets at a Downing Street event on Monday, and ahead of his attendance at a commemorative service at Westminster Abbey later on Tuesday.
Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.
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