Rishi’s bid for global security
BRITAIN’S “greatest source of strength and security” comes from its “global alliances”, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said last night – ahead of a key US meeting on nuclear subs.
Joining US President Joe Biden and Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese, Mr Sunak is due to reveal the next stage of the Aukus nuclear submarine programme tomorrow.
The deal, announced in September 2021, will boost Australia’s submarine fleet with nuclear assets from Britain and the US, in an unprecedented sharing of technology with a non-nuclear nation.
On his way to San Diego yesterday, the PM said the agreement “is binding ties to our closest allies and delivering security, new technology and economic advantage at home”.
He added: “This is the future we want to deliver – a UK that is secure, prosperous and standing shoulderto-shoulder with our partners.
“In turbulent times, the UK’S global alliances are our greatest source of strength and security.”
This week Britain is assuming an “Indo-pacific posture” as it commits to dealing with the West’s greatest and long-term threat – China.
The same message is expected to be sent by this week’s Integrated Review refresh, which will look at China’s “increasingly concerning behaviour”. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace will also visit Japan on Thursday to discuss the new Global Combat Air Programme, involving the Japanese F-X and Anglo-italian Tempest fighter jets replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2 by 2035.
Of the subs deal, leaked details show Australia will receive two types – firstly, five Us-built Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack subs, which are a temporary measure while Britain develops a second type, a modified version of its own nextgeneration sub.
The move should support tens of thousands of jobs in “red wall” constituencies in northern England.
Professor Alessio Patalano, of King’s College London, said: “Aukus is a win for all concerned.
“The US has capable subs based in Australia at Australian cost and Britain effectively gets its new subs for less. Australia receives the capability to meet the Chinese threat.”
Addressing concerns in Europe, James Rogers, of the Council of Geostrategy, said: “We have a new Royal Marines base in Norway, and have bolstered our support to the Baltics, Poland and Ukraine.”
‘Sub deal is a win for all...’