Concerns over Army:
Focus to be on cyber-security and space
THE UK’S defence strategy will pivot to focus on cyber and space, Boris Johnson has revealed, as he published his security plans for Britain in the post-Brexit era.
The Government yesterday launched the long-awaited Integrated Review Of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, which aims to solidify the UK’s place in the world following the departure from the European Union and the rise of China as a global force.
With a growing focus on cyber-security, traditional Armed Forces capabilities look set to reduce, the Army could be reduced by 10,000 troops in coming years.
Mr Johnson yesterday could not guarantee troop numbers will be spared cuts when pressed to explain whether the number of frontline personnel will fall.
After the Conservative MP for South Dorset, Richard Drax, suggested boosting the Army’s regular force beyond 100,000, Mr Johnson said the combined strength including reservists will remain above 100,000 but “tough decisions” will be required.
In 2015, the-then Government’s review committed to maintain the size of the regular Armed Forces and to not reduce the Army below 82,000 troops while also making increases to the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
In recent years, the Government has been working to boost a shrunken regular force of 82,000 with an increased reserve force of 30,000.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “The Prime Minister can’t avoid the question that everyone in our Armed Forces and their families will be asking today – will there be further cuts to the strength of our Army and our Armed Forces?
“The British Army is already 6,000 below the minimal level set out in the last review, it’s been cut every year for the last decade, and it’s been reported that the Army will see a further reduction of 10,000 alongside fewer tanks, fewer jets for the RAF and fewer frigates for the Royal Navy.”
Mr Johnson said Labour had the chance to back the Armed Forces in the Overseas Operations Bill, but voted against it.
In the Commons, Labour’s Nick Smith asked: “Will the Prime Minister level with the country and tell us exactly how he plans to reduce the Armed Forces by 10,000 in the years ahead?”
Mr Johnson replied: “I’ve already explained that this is the biggest investment in our armed forces since the Cold War and there’ll be no redundancies across the Armed Forces.”
The document released yesterday said the UK’s aim is to be a “science and tech superpower” by 2030, with the ability to “monitor, protect and defend our interests” in space and ensuring cutting-edge defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. In a sign that defence spending will shift away from expensive military hardware, the report noted “the advantages offered by high-tech capabilities may be eroded by affordable, easily-available, lowtech threats such as drones and improvised explosive devices”.
Military chiefs have acknowledged investment in battlespaces of space and cyber will mean cutting back on traditional “industrial age” capabilities, and this is due to be expanded on in a Ministry of Defence paper next week.
The biggest investment in our armed forces since the Cold War. Boris Johnson on defence plans. He could not guarantee troop numbers will be spared cuts.