UK government promises to maintain current anti-terrorism and security spending levels

Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown used yesterday’s British Council Annual Lecture as a platform to hint about his intentions for next week’s government spending review.

Although public spending is expected to be reduced in many areas, as flagged-up in the last budget statement, Mr Brown promised to maintain current spending levels on anti-terrorism measures and homeland security.

Mr Brown stated: “Thinking globally in an insecure world – and more important in the world since September 11th - requires us of course to take necessary steps to discharge a British government’s first duty – the defence of its citizens, the people of Britain. And as we look forward to next week’s spending review, I will make available the resources needed to strengthen security at home and take action to counter the terrorist threat at home and abroad. Those who wish to cut in real terms the budget even for security will need to answer to the British people. We will spend what it takes on security to safeguard the British people.”

Read the full text of the speech.

•Date: 8th July 2004 • Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
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