Watch live: Starmer launches plan to ready UK for war as he warns of Russia threat
Watch live as Sir Keir Starmer launches the landmark Strategic Defence Review in Glasgow, unveiling new measures as the country moves to 'warfighting readiness'.
The prime minister will announce that the UK plans to build up to 12 new attack submarines which will replace the current fleet from the late 2030s onwards, during his speech on Monday (2 June).
He is also expected to confirm that £15billion will be spent on its nuclear warhead programme.
The review, led by former Labour defence secretary Lord Roberston, will make an 60 additional recommendations, which the Labour government is expected to agree to in full.
Speaking on BBC's Radio 4's Today programme on Monday (2 June), Sir Keir could not rule out the possibility of sending forces to Nato's eastern border.
Asked by Nick Robinson if British troops could be sent 'risk their lives' and 'possibly die', the prime minister said he 'hopes not', though stressed the only way to stop this was to 'prepare'.
On Sunday (1 June), German's chief of Defence, General Carsten Breuer, told the broadcaster that Russia would attack again within the next four years.
Sir Keir also said earlier that while he wants to reach spending of 3% of GDP on defence, he would not 'indulge in the fantasy politics of simply plucking dates from the air'.
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28 minutes ago
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New searches are underway in Portugal near where toddler Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007
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Last month, President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro described Britain as "an all too compliant servant of Communist China", urging the UK against deepening economic ties. "When it comes to foreign policy towards China, America's influence on policy will be quite substantive compared with say continental Europe," says Dr Yu Jie of China Foresight at LSE IDEAS think tank. Most analysts I speak to in both the UK and China are still clear on the need for the two countries to get back in the same room, even if they differ on where to draw the line: in which areas should Westminster cooperate and where should it stay clear. These red lines have not yet been drawn, and experts say that without some kind of playbook, it is difficult for businesses and elected officials to know how to engage. "You can only keep firefighting specific issues for so long without developing a systematic plan," warns Mr Cainey. Certain thorny issues have arisen, including Chinese investments in the UK. 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And if that's the case, then irrespective of whether closer ties with China is viewed as a security threat, an economic opportunity, or something in between, the UK might be in a better position to engage with the country. Top image credit: PA BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
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