Boris Johnson has said that Russia is Britain’s top security challenge and U.K. needs to build more nuclear weapons
The Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson has said that Russia is Britain’s top security challenge and U.K. needs to build more nuclear weapons.
His remarks came on the sidelines of publication of the 116-page review report of U.K.’s Military and Foreign Policy, “Global Britain in a Competitive Age”. He also said that U.K. must expand its presence in the high-tech realms of space and cyberspace.
Taking it to twitter, Johnson tweeted,
Today we have published the #IntegratedReview – the most comprehensive survey of the UK’s foreign policy and national security in decades.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 16, 2021
It's all part of our vision to unite and level up our country 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/GZfmPpDqW7
He further tweeted,
The objective of Global Britain is to use the full spectrum of our abilities, now amplified by record spending on both defence and science, to engage with and help the rest of the world.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 16, 2021
My article on the #IntegratedReview: https://t.co/RogZpwrhPW pic.twitter.com/bbLgYr6eve
The Government has also increased the defense spending by £ 24 billion (U.S. $ 33.3 billion) over the next 4 years. Last year, it had spent £ 42.2 billion on defence. U.K. also pledged tens of billions of pounds for investment in other areas, including £ 15 billion for research and development for science and technology, more than £ 17 billion to fight climate change and promote biodiversity. In addition, it also announced £ 13 billion to fight Coronavirus (COVD-19).
The review report read, “Russia is the most acute threat in the region and we will work with NATO Allies to ensure a united Western response, combining military, intelligence and diplomatic efforts.”
As part of its deterrence strategy, the U.K. will increase its number of nuclear warheads to 260, a substantial increase from a previously announced goal of 180. The Royal Navy will keep 4 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines from which those warheads will be launched. Besides, more troops will be deployed overseas.
Johnson also highlighted that United States (U.S.) remains its most important defence and economic partner. While Johnson made strong commitment to NATO alliance, he also announced to expand Britain’s role worldwide.
Addressing the Parliament, Johnson said, “Global Britain is not a reflection of old obligations, much less of as a glorious gesture, but a necessity for the safety and prosperity of the British people in the decades ahead. And I am determined that the UK will join our friends in ensuring that free societies flourish after the pandemic, sharing the risks and burdens of addressing the world’s toughest problems.”
He further said, “Britain will remain unswervingly committed to NATO and preserving peace and security in Europe, and from this secure basis we will seek out friends and partners wherever they are found, building a coalition of openness and innovation and engaging more deeply in the Indo-Pacific.”
As per the review, China is the biggest State-based threat to the U.K.’s economic security. China’s increasing power and international assertiveness is likely to be the most significant geopolitical factor of the 2020s. Johnson criticized China for its mass detention of Uyghur Muslims in the far western region of Xinjiang and the new Hong Kong National Security Law.
Johnson said, “There is no question that China will pose a great challenge to an open society such as ours, but we also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests including building a strong and positive economic relationship and in addressing climate change.”
As far as outer space is concerned, the British military will form a Space Command to ensure that armed forces have cutting-edge capabilities to advance U.K.’s interests on Earth and in space. By next year, Britain plans to have the ability to launch commercial satellites into space from Scotland.
In the cyber realm, U.K. will try to harness that power in a new National Cyber Force which will be integrated with counterterrorism and military forces.
“By strengthening our armed forces, we will extend British influence while simultaneously creating jobs around the United Kingdom, reinforcing the union and maximizing our advantage in science and technology,” said Johnson.
Johnson believes that with the extra investment and new capabilities of the integrated review, U.K. can thrive in an ever more competitive world and fulfill its historic mission of being a force for the good.
