UK government promises additional spending on security, counter-terrorism and disaster planning

During his Budget Report Statement to the House of Commons, delivered yesterday, Gordon Brown stated that the UK government would increase spending on security and counter-terrorism.

“Defending our country is the first duty of government,” stated Mr. Brown. “And in response to the bombings in London in July and the terrorist threat, it is right to do all we can to support our police, armed forces and security and emergency services whose bravery we commend and upon whom we depend each and every day for our safety.

“Since September 11th we have doubled the budget for national security. Today we are making available an additional £135 million for security and counter-terrorism.”

Later in his speech Gordon Brown turned his attention to disaster planning. “It is unacceptable that the world is insufficiently prepared for natural disasters,” said Mr Brown, “so Britain will contribute £40 million to an expanded UN emergency fund and £50 million to a new IMF shocks facility.”

•Date: 6th Dec 2005 • Region: UK • Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
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