People often ask me what defence really means for Aldershot and Farnborough today.
Sometimes, when I am out knocking on doors, I hear a familiar refrain: “The Army’s left.” And with that often comes a deeper feeling that our towns have lost a sense of purpose.
I understand where that feeling comes from. Change can be unsettling, especially in places with such proud histories of service. But the truth is this: defence never left Aldershot and Farnborough.
In Farnborough, hundreds of local residents are working in world-class defence and security businesses, developing the technologies that keep our country safe in an increasingly uncertain world. Right on our doorstep at Cody Technology Park, innovation designed in our community is making a real difference, including advanced systems such as Dragonfire – the anti-drone laser system now helping to protect lives in Ukraine. This is not abstract national policy; it is local people, with local skills, contributing to Britain’s security every single day.
Similarly, thousands of troops are still based in Aldershot. And, it remains the home of the Standing Joint Command, which plays a pivotal role in coordinating the defence of our country. Aldershot is, and continues to be, the Home of the British Army. That identity is not just historic, it is lived and felt every day by service families, veterans, and the wider community.
That is why I welcomed the Labour Government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027. In a more dangerous and unpredictable world, maintaining a credible defence is essential to keeping our country safe. And it is also about something closer to home.
When we invest in defence, we invest directly in our community. Defence brings good, highly skilled, well-paid jobs that support local families and put money back into our town centres. It means more people using our shops, cafés and small businesses, helping high streets to thrive rather than decline.
For our young people, defence investment means opportunities. It means skills, training and apprenticeships. It means the chance to build a future here in Aldershot and Farnborough, rather than feeling they have to leave to find secure and meaningful work elsewhere.
Defence is not distant or theoretical. It is not just about equipment or budgets discussed in Westminster. It is about jobs, pride and prosperity in our towns. It is about recognising the contribution our community continues to make to the security of the nation.
I am proud of Aldershot and Farnborough and of the role we play in Britain’s defence. I will continue to champion our community, support local jobs and skills, and make the case that investing in defence is also investing in the future of our towns.
