Britain intends to expand its submarine fleet and refresh its nuclear deterrent capability as part of a wide-ranging defence review that one of its authors says Canada should read and take to heart.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who ordered the review, unveiled the plan, saying it is meant to prepare the country to fight a modern war and counter the threat from Russia.
“We face war in Europe, new nuclear risks, daily cyberattacks, growing Russian aggression in our waters, menacing our skies,” Starmer said during a media availability at the Govan Shipbuilders Ltd. yard in Scotland.
Starmer, as part of his statement Monday, pledged a hefty increase to U.K. defence spending, bringing it to 2.5 per cent of the gross domestic product by 2027, with “the ambition to hit three per cent in the next Parliament.” He added, however, the goals are subject to economic and fiscal conditions.
They aren’t ready for war … neither are we.
Nato will force Britain to spend 3.5pc on defence
Nato will force Britain to spend 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2032, The Telegraph understands.
On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer said he had an “ambition” to reach 3 per cent by the end of the next Parliament, but stopped short of a firm commitment.
However, at a summit in The Hague later this month, Nato countries will commit to a new target of 3.5 per cent, plus an additional 1.5 per cent on defence-related infrastructure by 2032.
Funny. I haven’t heard Carney mention the increase to 3.5%
