Labour Government's Commitment
John Healey, the new Defence Secretary, has declared that Britain will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win, sending a direct warning to Putin. He emphasized that the UK's support for Ukraine will be stepped up and sped up under the Labour government, with all promised military aid to be delivered within 100 days of taking power.
Pledge of Additional Military Aid
Healey's visit to Ukraine came within 48 hours of his appointment, where he pledged up to £3 billion in assistance, including missiles, ammunition, and vehicles. He stated that the UK's support for Ukraine will continue to be steadfast, with a focus on delivering on promises made for military aid.
Increased UK Defence Spending
The Defence Secretary assured that the new government is committed to increasing UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, highlighting that the defence of Britain starts in Ukraine. He also mentioned plans to provide additional military equipment to support Ukrainian forces in their fight against Russian aggression.
Collaboration with Allies
With NATO's upcoming 75th birthday celebrations, Healey emphasized the importance of collaborating with allies to support Ukraine. He mentioned the UK's role in producing barrels for heavy guns and working alongside American allies to provide necessary equipment for Ukrainian forces.
Future Support and Commitment
Healey's visit to Ukraine and the Labour government's focus on delivering on promises made for military aid demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The Defence Secretary reaffirmed that the UK will continue to stand with Ukraine and work with allies to provide long-term support for the country.