In a speech as the nation marks the 80 year anniversary of VE Day, Keir Starmer will say: ‘It was a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil’
Keir Starmer will pay tribute to the bravery of World War Two veterans as the nation marks the 80 year anniversary of VE Day today.
The PM will hail their victory against “hatred, tyranny and evil” before attending a service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the historic occasion.
In a speech at the London Defence Conference, Mr 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.”
He will add: “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.”
Mr Starmer will also use the speech today to highlight the government’s decision to hike military spending and deliver a “defence dividend”.
In February the PM set out plans to hike defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, with a commitment to reach 3% by the mid-2030s. At the time he announced it would be funded by a cut to the UK’s overseas aid budget.
And today he will unveil a £563million contract for Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets at the firm’s sites.
The PM will 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.”
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