UK WILL BACK TRUMP’S WAR

In for long run with Jong-Un

BRITAIN will be standing shoulder to shoulder with the US if war is declared on North Korea.

The Government has privately pledged to support President Donald Trump by dispatching a nuclear sub within strike range of the communist state.

Defence chiefs will also supply members of the special forces to assist in targeted strikes against the North Korean leadership.

The move follows the disclosure by the US president that he would not rule out a pre-emptive strike against the rogue state.

He said the US was “locked and loaded” on North Korea despite US political chiefs warning that a war with Kim Jong-un would be catastrophic.

Relations with the isolated communist state are at a historic low and the possibility of war is now greater than it has been since the 1950s, claim defence sources.

The RAF is likely to dispatch at least two of its fleet of E-3D Sentry early-warning aircraft, which can identify enemy missile stations with pinpoint accuracy.

The aircraft, known as AWACs, are flying airborne control systems and can hack into enemy communications and control entire battles from the air.

It is also understood the RAF will supply air-to-air refuelling tankers and the Government has not ruled out sending a naval task force to the region if the political situation continues to deteriorate.

Defence sources have said that both the US and Britain, along with other allies, are considering a range of military options against North Korea. One possibility is a targeted strike against Kim Jongun which – sources claim – could lead to other senior leaders seizing power in a coup.

Other options include a first strike attack against the regime’s nuclear facilities using US stealth bombers – a mission in which the RAF AWACs would be directly involved.

Plans for a special forces attack against the presidential palace in the capital, Pyongyang, involving British and US troops have also been drawn up.

One senior source said: “The UK policy is hope for peace but prepare for war.

“It is inconceivable that the US will go to war with North Korea without the help and assistance of the UK.

“Britain has plenty of assets it can offer to the US without getting directly involved in the fight.”