BARROW'S MP has joined a cross-party campaign to urge political parties to increase defence spending.

Simon Fell, who chairs the parliamentary group on the AUKUS defence pact, has signed a letter urging parties to make the commitment in their next manifestos to allow for 'stronger armed forces'.

The campaign is being led by the Council on Geostrategy and is backed by MPs, peers and defence figures.

It is calling on political parties to increase spending on defence from two per cent of the country's gross domestic product to at least 2.5 per cent of GDP, with a longer-term commitment to reach three per cent by 2030

Setting out the defence pledge, the group said: "Ten years ago NATO allies agreed to spend a minimum of 2% of GDP on defence: Britain has met that target.

"Even combined with greater spending efficiency, this is no longer enough to protect all our interests at home, within NATO, and further overseas.

"Countries which wish us harm are growing stronger and more dangerous. To deter them and properly protect our interests, we need stronger armed forces, particularly a larger navy, better air defences, and enhanced cyber and space power.

"Absent this investment, British interests could suffer defeat, making the disruption we have experienced in recent months look moderate.

"Due to the reductions to the size of the fleet, the loss of a warship against a swarm of drones would exhaust the Royal Navy’s ability to protect our vital trade routes.

"Our inability to muster sufficient forces to protect our allies may encourage hostile states such as Russia to invade them, sparking an international crisis.

"And the erosion of our position as NATO’s premier European military power would weaken our hand in Washington, Brussels and other capitals at a time when our leadership is needed more than ever."

Ending the pledge, it said: "We therefore urge all political parties to commit in their manifestos this year to invest in real terms at least 2.5% of GDP on defence in each year of the next Parliament with a longer-term commitment to reach 3% by 2030.

"We also call on political candidates, whether standing or prospective, to pledge their support.

"Defending our way of life demands nothing less."