Sir Keir Starmer has delivered a speech this morning to commemorate VE Day 80 and unveil a huge boost to the armed forces.
Speaking at the London Defence Conference, the Prime Minister used his speech to note the support the UK and Europe have for Ukraine and the need to "return Britain to war-fighting readiness".
The PM said: "I didn't think in my lifetime that I would see Russian aggression, tanks, entering a European country again.
"Here we stand resolutely, with the people of Ukraine, together with our allies, showing the strength of our values, as well as the values of our strengths."
Starmer spoke at the London Defence Conference
Reuters
To strengthen Britain's armed forces, the PM announced a £563million contract for Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of Britain's fleet of Typhoon fighter jets.
The announcement aims to support the Government's priority of continuing the UK's great tradition of building ships, missiles, artillery, vehicles, and aircraft.
He added: "Our task now is to seize the defence dividend - felt directly in the pockets of working people, rebuilding our industrial base and creating the jobs of the future.
"A national effort. A time for the state, business and society to join hands, in pursuit of the security of the nation and the prosperity of its people.
"An investment in peace, but also an investment in British pride and the British people to build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to the generation who fought for our values, our freedom and our security."
The PM noted that VE Day, 80 years ago, "was not just a victory for Britain".
He said: "It was a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil, for the light of our values, in a world that tried to put them out.
"Now, as you know, there are people who would happily do likewise today.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The PM announced additional funding to support Britain's fleet of Typhoon fighter jets
GETTY"Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis. We must use this moment to deliver security and renewal for our country."
The PM will join MPs, Lords and the King and Queen at Westminster Abbey for a thanksgiving service.
The nation will fall silent at 12pm for a two-minute silence to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
