Armed forces get £1 billion spend

A £1 BILLION investment in Britain’s armed forces will be announced today by the Prime Minister.
A Typhoon aircraftA Typhoon aircraft
A Typhoon aircraft

Mr Cameron will confirm the Government is investing £800 million in technology which will help the UK’s special forces respond to terrorism and hostage-taking incidents.

A further £300 million in radar equipment for Typhoon aircraft and the purchase of HMS Protector, an ice patrol ship previously used under charter by the Royal Navy.

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He will claim the spending has been made possible because of better control of costs in the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Cameron will say: “Having modern, technologically advanced and flexible armed forces to protect us and our interests is vital.

“Because of the difficult decisions we have taken to tackle the deficit we are able to make these vital investments in our defence capabilities.

“We are also taking action to sustain our thriving defence industry, as part of our long-term economic plan to back business, create jobs and secure a brighter future for hardworking people.”

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The announcement by Mr Cameron will be made as he visits the Farnborough Air Show today where he will also set out the Government’s wider support for the UK defence industry including the creation of a new defence technologies centre.

The Farnborough Air Show, which opens today, is one of the biggest opportunities for UK defence firms to showcase their wares and they will be hoping for significant export orders

Recent figures showed UK defence exports increased by 11 per cent to £9.8 billion in 2013 and the industry employs more than 160,000 people in the UK.