Monday 24th February 2025

(1 day, 19 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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Yes, I do. There was complacency in the post-cold war period across the European families, and at this Dispatch Box we have lamented the fact that the United Kingdom has fallen to 2.3% of GDP, so the hon. and learned Gentleman is right. This is the time to step up and to demonstrate peace with strength, and the Baltic nations are very clear about the responsibility at this time.

Jonathan Hinder Portrait Jonathan Hinder (Pendle and Clitheroe) (Lab)
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Like the Foreign Secretary, I am incredibly proud of the role that the UK has played in supporting Ukraine, and especially proud of the role that my constituents have played in welcoming Ukrainians into their homes and into our community, but if we are to stop Putin, Britain must get real on defence. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that we must now urgently rearm, well beyond the existing 2.5% target, so that, with our European allies, we can protect our precious democracies?

David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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As I said, we will set out further defence spending shortly.