Elliott: I welcome PM's commitment to defence spending

Ulster Unionist Tom Elliott believes sustained investment is needed if the UK are to meet it's commitments to NATO.

The MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone was in Brussels on Friday as part of a delegation of Ulster Unionist representatives that visited NATO headquarters.

NATO was set-up in 1949 in the wake of the Second World War. The strategic military alliance says it's essential purpose "is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means". 

During the visit the delegation were given briefings and held discussions with NATO representatives.

Afterwards the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, accompanied by MLAs Steve Aiken and Philip Smith stated their support for a "strong and effective NATO".

They also welcomed the incoming Prime Minster Theresa May's commitment to spending on defence.

Listing the challenges posed by Russia in Crimea - as well as the issue of Daesh in Syria - the Ulster Unionist MP emphasised the importance of an organisation such as NATO.

"The briefings we received gave an overview of the evolving security environment and NATO's response to various challenges.  Russia's ongoing illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea continues to destabilise the region, we therefore welcomed the opportunity to learn more about NATO's commitment to bolster deterrence and defence in the east," Tom Elliott said.

"Instability in the Middle East and North Africa, the refugee and migrant crises and the threat posed by Daesh present significant additional challenges that also require the long-term commitment of resources. 

“The ability of NATO to undertake operations and missions is however dependent on a sustained investment in defence by its members, I welcome that since becoming Prime Minister Theresa May has reiterated the UK Government’s commitment to meet the target of spending 2% of GDP on the defence budget," he added.

Mr. Elliott said that it was "vital" that that all of NATO members met spending obligations in order to overcome such challenges.

"This series of briefings provided a fascinating insight into defence policy and planning and the NATO decision-making process.  We were also assured that it is very much a case of ‘business as usual’ for NATO following the UK’s vote to leave the EU," he continued. 

“I found our discussions extremely useful and I and my Ulster Unionist Party colleagues will continue to make the case for investment in the UK defence budget and a strong, effective NATO prepared for evolving threats and challenges," he concluded.