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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Richard Partington Economics correspondent

Rachel Reeves vows to use defence spending to support UK’s ‘left behind’ industrial towns

Rachel Reeves United States United Kingdom Donald Trump Britain Economy Make UK
Rachel Reeves
Rachel Reeves told the manufacturing trade body Make UK that defence money could stimulate the economy. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Rachel Reeves has said UK companies and jobs will be prioritised under the government’s plans for a significant increase in defence spending, with an aim to support “left behind” industrial towns and the economy at large.

Announced by Keir Starmer last week amid growing fears over Donald Trump’s commitment to European security, the government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 – worth an additional £6bn a year.

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