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On Thursday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce the biggest investment in the UK’s military since the Cold War. In the House of Commons, the Prime Minister explained the importance for the UK military to upgrade in face of recent threats.

I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first. The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies. To achieve this we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Prime Minister will announce a £16.5 billion increase over four years, which equate to around a 10% increase every year. This will add around 10,000 new jobs a year, and is set to demonstrate to US its willingness that it will be a reliable partner.

This comes a week after PM Boris Johnson promised to the US President-elect Joe Biden that the UK will be a valuable military ally. The UK government said that this increase in spending will make the UK the largest defence spender in Europe, and the second largest in NATO.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that Britain was not increasing its military budget over the years, due to its funding for international aid. There are rumours that billions of pounds could be cut from the international aid budget.

Mr.Wallace explained that Britain would not abandon international aid:

It doesn’t mean to say we are abandoning the battlefield of international aid, we’re still one of the most generous givers of international aid.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace

PM Boris Johnson said that a National Cyber Force will be created and a new agency dedicated to developing artificial intelligence will also be created. He shall also give the permission for rocket projects so as to launch satellites for both civilian and military use. The launch of the rocket will occur in Scotland in 2021. The PM promised that £5.8 billion will be spent on research and development, and the government will also focus its energy for the planned new fighter jet.

This is excellent news for Defence, and provides us with the financial certainty we need to modernise, plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face. It demonstrates the Prime Minister’s recognition of how important Defence is to our resilience and to the reputation of the United Kingdom.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace

Published by truthisacommodity

Residing on the small island of Malta, I have developed a keen interest in foreign politics and science and in bringing truth to my audience by providing daily news! Email: info@whatnownews24.com View all posts by truthisacommodity