Last week Craig Smith, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North West Leicestershire, met with key Government figures, including the Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, and former Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick.

In the wake of escalating security threats faced by Britain, Smith, alongside Shapps and Jenrick, underscored the urgent need for bolstered funding to our National Defence Budget.

Jenrick's proposition to halve the foreign aid budget, redirecting resources to elevate defence spending to three percent of GDP, has been proposed as a pragmatic solution amid the shifting global landscape. 

The Conservatives say this proposal not only resonates with the public sentiment, but also ensures an augmentation of defence capabilities without imposing additional tax burdens - adding it is a strategic reallocation of resources to address evolving geopolitical challenges.

Jenrick highlighted the importance of fortifying the Trident nuclear deterrent and addressing the challenges faced by our Armed Forces, including historically low army sizes.

Smith said: "Against the backdrop of escalating global tensions, underscored by aggressive manoeuvres from Vladimir Putin and increased military expenditures by China, Jenrick's proposal serves as a timely response to safeguarding national interests.

"Moreover, the proposal aligns with growing calls within the Government for increased defence spending, reflecting a consensus on the urgency of fortifying Britain's defence capabilities."

During discussions, Defence Secretary Shapps said that spending has increased under his watch from the baseline two per cent to just under 2.3 per cent, and he is working towards 2.5 per cent as the improving fiscal position allows. 

He also went on to say that he would like more, and that three per cent was not an unrealistic target.

Leicestershire County Councillor Smith added: "Acknowledging legal obligations concerning foreign aid allocations, the proposal advocates for a recalibration of priorities to address contemporary security challenges effectively.

"While the Conservative Party demonstrates a pragmatic and forward-looking approach towards national defence, Labour's commitment to a static two per cent of GDP allocation risks a substantial £7 billion reduction in defence spending, highlighting a crucial policy divergence."

As Britain navigates a complex global landscape, Smith, alongside Government ministers, says he stands at the forefront of advocating for robust defence investments to safeguard national interests and ensure a secure future for generations to come.