Defence faces biggest shake-up for 20 years
BRITAIN’S armed forces will undergo the most comprehensive modernisation in two decades, as the UK takes a “more robust” stance over the “deteriorating” global security environment.
The Integrated Review (IR) published yesterday sets out plans to update the country’s “deterrence posture” in the face of growing threats from hostile states and non-state actors.
It says the UK must improve its ability to “disrupt, defend against and deter” the threats it faces in both the physical world and in cyberspace.
It will mean deploying more of the armed forces overseas more often and for longer periods, in an effort to deter state threats “below the threshold of war” through a strategy of “persistent engagement”.
“We will demonstrate that we are able and willing to respond when our citizens and interests are targeted, including with force if necessary,” the IR says.
At the same time, the Government is lifting its self-imposed cap on its stockpile of Trident nuclear warheads from 180 to 260.
The move is said to be in recognition of the “evolving security environment”, including the developing range of “technological and doctrinal threats”.
A defence command paper to be published next week will set out the detailed plans to modernise the armed forces, with a new generation of warships and fighter jets. All eyes in the Westcountry will be on plans for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, which have a significant presence in the region.
The command paper will also include a major overhaul of the Army, which is expected to be cut by around 10,000 troops, with the force Challenger 2 main battle tanks reduced by a third and the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle axed altogether.
Overall, the primary focus of Britain’s security effort will remain the Euro-Atlantic region, where Russia poses the “most acute threat”. However, in the face of China’s growing power and assertiveness there will be a new “tilt” towards the IndoPacific.
BORIS Johnson has warned Britain must not get drawn into a new “cold war” with China as he set out his vision for a post-Brexit foreign policy.
The Prime Minister insisted the Government’s long-awaited Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy offered a “clear-sighted” approach for dealing with Beijing.
However, he faced criticism in the Commons from a series of senior Tory MPs as the 100-page review document called for a “positive trade and investment relationship” with China with co-operation on tackling climate change.
While it described Russia as the “most acute threat” to the UK, it was more measured in its language about China, saying it offered a “systemic challenge” to Britain’s security, values and prosperity.
Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was “worried” about adopting such a mild designation given the “terrible events” in Hong Kong and Xinjiang province, where the government is accused of genocide against the Uighur minority.
Julian Lewis, the chairman of the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, said it was a return to the “grasping naivety of the Cameron-Osborne years” when the UK ostentatiously courted Chinese investment.
But Mr Johnson reminded MPs of Britain’s £81bn trading relationship with China. “Those who call for a new cold war on China ... are, I think, mistaken,” he said. “We have a balance to strike, we needed to have a clear-eyed relationship with China. We will take tough measures as I have said to call out China for what they’re doing in Xinjiang.”
Mr Johnson also came under fire from his own side over the cut to the international aid budget, with former development secretary Andrew Mitchell warning it may be “unlawful”.
The Prime Minister said he was committed to returning to spending 0.7% of gross national income on overseas aid “when the fiscal situation allows”. Elsewhere, the review: Lifts the cap on Britain’s stockpile of Trident nuclear warheads from 180 to 260 in response to the “evolving security environment”.
Sets out the UK’s aim 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. States that tackling climate change and biodiversity loss is the Government’s “number one international priority” in 2021 and beyond.
Overall, the strategy acknowledges the risks posed by increased competition between states – including a more assertive China – along with terrorism, organised crime, climate change and the “realistic possibility” of another pandemic.
The increased focus on the IndoPacific region is an acknowledgement of Chinese influence, as well as the importance of countries including India and Japan.
The shift will be underlined by the deployment of the HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group to the region later this year.
DEVONPORT MP Luke Pollard warned yesterday’s Integrated Defence Review announcement – which includes at least £16.5bn new investment over the next four years – would be followed next week by cuts.
The Labour MP said: “After two botched defence reviews under this Government, Plymouth needs this one to be about investment – not cuts.
“But I fear despite the polished headlines, more Tory defence cuts are coming next week. Since 2010, £8bn has been cut from the defence budget and full-time Armed Forces cut by nearly 45,000.
“As Devonport’s MP, I have fought strongly against the Conservative plan to sell Devonport’s HMS Ocean to Brazil and to protect HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark from being cut.
“I am concerned that there are risks to the Royal Navy frigate force, with two frigates slated to be cut. Cutting an already under-strength army by 10,000 personnel will also worry many in Plymouth who want Britain’s armed forces to stay strong.
“The decision to park announcement of the latest defence cuts until next week so it does not sully the Prime Minister’s headlines today is cynical and continues to play games with our armed forces.
“Our armed forces deserve better.”