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Proceeding contribution from Edward Leigh (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. It occurred during Debates on delegated legislation on Defence.


Defence

I am not sure there is much point in us just blaming each other on this matter. There are historical parallels. In 1935 we were spending only 2.5% of our national wealth on defence. There was massive rearmament following that and consensus on both sides of the House, and by 1945 we were spending the best part of 50% of national wealth on it. It would be much better if the two parties try to work together on this matter and realise that we are facing an existential crisis in the world, and that things are very different now from 2010 or 2015, or whenever, and that we should work together to massively increase defence spending.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
770 c328 
Session
2024-26
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Armed forces Defence Cadets Housing Northern Ireland Recruitment Public expenditure Standards Military alliances NATO Veterans
Legislation
Armed Forces Act 2006 (Continuation) Order 2025
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on hansard.parliament.uk