UK to build up to 12 attack submarines and spend billions more on nuclear weapons system

BBC News

2 days ago

Update:
Date: 07:51 BST
Title: We're not at war, says defence minister. But we're not at peace, either
Content: Luke Pollard, pictured in Portsmouth in April
Defence minister Luke Pollard says "we're certainly not at war at the moment, but it's also true that we're certainly not at peace".
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he says "we know that we live in a very dangerous world" and there are "new threats" to the UK.
The government inherited a situation where military morale was "falling" and there had been a "lack of investment", he says.
The defence review will set out new investment, address the "scandal" of military accommodation, and set out plans to make defence an "engine for growth", he says.
Update:
Date: 07:47 BST
Title: How much does the UK spend on defence - and how is it changing?
Content: What the UK spends on defence
In 2023/24, the UK spent around 2.3% of GDP on defence, or £53.9bn, according to government figures.
As a member of Nato - the North Atlantic military alliance - the UK is committed to spending at least 2% of national income, as measured by GDP, on defence. But there is growing pressure to go further.
What's the planned increase?
In February, the government announced defence spending would rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an "ambition" to reach 3% after the next general election.
To fund the initial increase, Starmer announced a cut to the UK's aid budget from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3% in 2027.
Has the government committed to reaching 3%?
Defence Secretary John Healey, in an interview with The Times, said there was "no doubt" the UK would reach defence spending of 3% in the next Parliament, so by 2034. But the government has not formally announced a commitment to reaching 3%.
Update:
Date: 07:40 BST
Title: Defence firm welcomes submarine plans
Content: The Ministry of Defence says building up to 12 new attack submarines "will support 30,000 highly skilled jobs into the 2030s as well as 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles across the next 10 years".
And the announcement has been welcomed by defence technology firm, Cohort.
"It's certainty a very ambitious plan and very pleasing to
see what's been announced," Andy Thomis, Cohort's chief executive, tells BBC Radio 4's Today
programme.
"I think it recognises the serious security situation and the
need for us to respond to it."
Thomis, though, says the government may need to commit a greater percentage of spending to defence, in order to meet the plans.
"It certainly does look like a challenge within 2.5% of GDP
or indeed even 3%, but I think it is what we need to keep the country
safe."
Update:
Date: 07:08 BST
Title: Will extra defence spending be enough for Nato - and Trump?
Content: Jonathan BealeDefence correspondent
Over the past week, the government has been trailing its defence review with a series of announcements: billions of pounds to produce more missiles and drones; new technology; and better housing for troops.
The aim - not just to modernise an underfunded armed forces but to make them ready to meet rising threats.
The prime minister will today also underline the importance of the defence industry for creating jobs and economic growth.
So far the government is committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. But will it be enough?
Nato allies are being urged to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP. The US president, Donald Trump wants more. The government says Britain will be the
leading European nation in Nato; but other allies are going further and faster.
Lithuania's defence minister called 2.5% "old news". She told the BBC 3.5% should be the bare minimum.
Update:
Date: 07:08 BST
Title: We must face down Russia, says defence secretary
Content: Defence Secretary John Healey says the UK's new submarines will help "face down Russian aggression".
In a statement released last night, Healey says: "Our outstanding submariners patrol 24/7 to keep us and our allies safe, but we know that threats are increasing and we must act decisively to face down Russian aggression.
"With new state-of-the-art submarines patrolling international waters and our own nuclear warhead programme on British shores, we are making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering on our plan for change with 30,000 highly-skilled jobs across the country."
Update:
Date: 07:08 BST
Title: New nuclear-powered submarines expected as Starmer unveils defence plans
Content: The UK will build up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines under plans due to be announced by Keir Starmer today.
The government will unveil a major defence review, which will set out the government's long-term plans and is expected to recommend the armed forces move to "warfighting readiness".
The new attack submarines are expected to replace the UK's current fleet from the late 2030s onwards, with the government saying production will also create jobs.
The submarines will be conventionally-armed but nuclear powered, and developed under a partnership agreement with the US and Australia.
The prime minister is also expected to confirm a £15bn investment in the UK's existing nuclear warhead programme.
Starmer will speak to BBC Radio 4's Today programme at 08:10 BST - you'll be able to listen live on this page.