Sir, We believe that the defence of the realm is the first duty of any government. Protection has been agreed for UK international aid expenditure. We believe that the people of this country have the right to expect as much protection for our own defence budget. We call upon all political parties, particularly those who may take the lead in forming a government after the general election, to give a clear undertaking in their election manifestos to adhere to the minimum defence expenditure of 2 per cent of GDP agreed by Nato members for the next five years of government.
Lord Attlee; Admiral Lord Boyce; Lord Carrington of Fulham; Marshal of the RAF Lord Craig of Radley; General Lord Dannatt; Lord Evans of Weardale; Lord Forsyth of Drumlean; Lord Hannay of Chiswick; Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield; Lord Luce; Lord Lyell; Baroness O’Cathain; Air Chief Marshal Lord Stirrup; Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean; Lord Trefgarne; Lord Trenchard; Lord Turnbull; General Lord Walker of Aldringham; Admiral Lord West of Spithead