Chancellor will spend what it takes to deal to WMD

Chancellor will 'spend what it takes' to deal with rogue weapons

Chancellor Gordon Brown has spoken of his resolve 'to ensure our armed forces are properly supported for whatever lies ahead'.

Mr Brown's comments on current demands on government resources came at the end of a speech about corporate social responsibility at the "Future Wealth of Nations" conference at Canary Wharf in London.

He said:

"... we will spend what it takes to prevent the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons by states that defy the international community and to advance the cause of disarmament. Last year I set aside one billion pounds to be drawn upon by the Ministry of Defence for security and military preparations, if and when it became necessary. Last month I set aside an additional £750m. Our armed forces do an outstanding job for Britain and today I make clear our gratitude for the work that they do and my resolve to ensure our armed forces are properly supported for whatever lies ahead."

Earlier the Chancellor spoke of developing an entrepreneurial culture in Britain. Enterprise was seen as an exciting career option for young people in the US but did not appear so glamorous in the UK. The Chancellor said he wanted to turn this perception around.

"I want businessmen and women going into schools helping to provide enterprise activities; I want every student to have a quality experience of enterprise and contact with business before they leave school; I want every community to see business leaders as role models for their children.

"Our ambition is to raise the aspirations of all our children and then show how these aspirations can be realised."

ENDS

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