UK plans space command, cyber force in largest military investment since Cold War
- PM Boris Johnson wants to carve out a global role for country, backed by cutting-edge modern military and cyber capabilities
- Military spending could cement UK’s position as the largest defence spender in Europe, second largest in Nato
Britain has announced what is being billed as its biggest programme of investment in the armed forces since the end of the Cold War.
In a speech to lawmakers in parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was expected to unveil an extra £16.5 billion (US$22 billion) in funding over the next four years. The defence budget is currently just under £42 billion (US$56 billion) a year.
It follows the ruling Conservatives’ commitment in their election manifesto last year to increase defence spending by 0.5 per cent above inflation until 2025.
Johnson’s Downing Street office said the cash boost would “cement the UK’s position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in Nato”.
It comes despite Britain’s economy suffering a historic downturn this year due to the coronavirus crisis, which has seen the government spend unprecedented sums to support people and businesses.
“I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first,” Johnson said in remarks released ahead of his speech.