Let’s be honest, most people don’t speak in billions. When I hear about £20 billion for this or £40 billion for that, it’s virtually impossible to comprehend.

What really matters is how those huge numbers translate into the things that make a difference in our everyday lives: a decent home, a good job, a strong NHS, and a safe country.

That’s why last week’s Spending Review matters. And, for the first time for many years, I believe it’s worth celebrating.  The Chancellor has made a serious statement of intent on behalf of a government that’s finally planning for the long term, with a focus on security, growth and opportunity.

Here in Aldershot and Farnborough, we know that security starts at home: with strong public services, a growing economy, and a proper strategy to support British jobs. This review delivers on all three.

Take defence.  The decision to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027 sends a clear message to our allies and adversaries alike: Britain is back with purpose.

As home of the British Army and world-leading firms like QinetiQ and XLB, the investment in research, skills and British technology will help ensure that Farnborough and Aldershot remain at the cutting edge of our nation’s security and science. That, in turn, means more jobs and better prospects for local people.

But the story doesn’t end with defence. This review rightly recognises that economic strength and fairness go hand in hand. I particularly welcome the new funding for social housing, which will finally mean we can start to build safer, more secure homes for families who have already waited too long. I know how important this is in our community, where too many people are stuck in limbo, paying high rents in housing that simply isn’t good enough.

Crucially, this Spending Review put children and young people at its heart. From the expansion of free breakfast clubs in primary schools to record investment in apprenticeships and further education, the aim is to give every young person the best possible start in life. As a mum of two school-aged girls, I know how much it matters that every child turns up to school ready to learn and able to thrive. A healthy breakfast might sound simple but for too many families, it makes all the difference.

And for young adults in our community, the renewed focus on apprenticeships and technical skills is a real step forward. Whether it’s engineering, healthcare, digital or the green economy, we need routes into good careers that don’t just rely on going to university. This government gets that and it’s acting on it.

We’ve got a long way to go. But we’ve taken a major step in the right direction.

The big numbers amount to a budget that backs Britain and a plan that works for Aldershot and Farnborough.