Vernon Coaker MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the Government’s announcement on increasing funding for defence equipment said:

“Labour fully supports the role played by the defence industry in creating jobs, promoting British exports and sustaining excellence in design and manufacturing. The defence industry makes a hugely significant contribution to our economy and I pay tribute to General Dynamics and its highly skilled workforce in Wales for the work they do.

"But this is not new money; it is not even a new announcement. The Government said in 2011 that it would continue Labour’s plans to invest in armoured vehicles, allocating £5.5bn for the purpose. And the first phase contract for these Scout vehicles was actually signed as far back as 2010.

"Given the critical issues facing NATO this week and the tough decisions that will have to be made at the summit, the British people expect more from the Government than this cynically-timed rehashing of old news.”