Local MP Alan Mak has condemned Labour’s 2026 Budget for ignoring defence investment in Havant and the Portsmouth area, despite being one of the biggest areas for defence manufacturing in the UK.
Mr Mak said the Budget also fails to reassure local communities about the safety of our borders, after recent events with small boats.
Mr Mak said: “John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary precisely because Labour refused to commit to investing 3% of national income on defence to keep our country safe. It’s disappointing that he refused to make that commitment now he is Chancellor.”
“In fact, when defence was mentioned, he didn’t even talk about the Havant Constituency or the Portsmouth region, despite us having a very strong defence manufacturing base and skilled workers.”
“Nationally, the Budget fails to improve on Labour’s previous Budget that introduced higher taxes for working people. This Budget fails to keep our country safe with no commitment to defence investment whilst also delivering higher taxes, more borrowing and greater welfare spending. Locally, that means higher mortgage rates, higher unemployment and higher taxes.”
