Government plans to crank up spending on defence could bring an unexpected jobs bonanza for the South Hams .

Defence spending is to increase to 2.5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product from April 2027, rising to three per cent in later years.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer says it will drive economic growth, create jobs and bolster national security.

Defence companies such as Babcock are major players in the Devon economy, and key factors in the Plymouth Freeport project. Tax breaks and other incentives allow freeports to attract new businesses, investment and economic growth.

Babcock operates Devonport Dockyard among its other work.

Cllr John Birch (Lib Dem, Totnes) told members of the South Hams Council executive committee that the increase in defence spending would

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