DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP has issued a warning to the UK Government, stating that the nation must respond with increased urgency to the "deteriorating security situation" in the Middle East.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Robinson expressed support for the armed forces but questioned the strength and pace of the current military response to regional threats.

A primary concern raised was the deployment of HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer. Mr Robinson noted that despite requests for the vessel to be stationed in the region, it is understood the ship will not be in position to defend British interests in Cyprus for over a week. He argued that such delays send a message to those wishing harm upon the United Kingdom and its allies.

Mr Robinson stated: "Those who wish harm upon the United Kingdom and our allies will be watching carefully to see how we respond to events in the Middle East. "We will always stand firmly behind our armed forces. But strength is not simply measured by the bravery of those who serve, it is also determined by the decisions taken by Government about how and when our capabilities are deployed.

"It is concerning that despite requests being made for a Type 45 destroyer to be deployed to the region, we now understand that HMS Dragon will not be in position to help defend British interests in Cyprus for over a week."

The DUP leader also addressed the Government's financial commitments to the military. While welcoming the ambition to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, he argued that the current target of 2027 does not match the volatility of the global climate.

"I welcome the Government's stated ambition to increase defence spending, but in a world that is becoming more volatile by the day, the current timetable to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 simply does not reflect the urgency of the moment," he said.

Mr Robinson concluded by highlighting the economic risks of instability, noting: "Where energy prices are now steadily climbing and markets reacting, the United Kingdom must move faster to rebuild strength and credibility, both to defend our allies overseas and to protect people at home from the economic consequences that instability in the Middle East inevitably brings."