BRITAIN will return to full “war-fighting readiness” in the biggest military shake-up since World War Two, Sir Keir Starmer has declared.
In a VE Day speech at the London Defence Conference, the Prime Minister unveiled plans for a sweeping overhaul of the Armed Forces – as fears grow Europe stands on the brink of conflict.
Sir Keir Starmer speaking at the London Defence Conference in central London[/caption]
The PM said the landmark “root and branch Strategic Defence Review” would be launched in the coming weeks to boost national resilience and overhaul every aspect of defence.
It comes after reports this week claiming Britain is secretly preparing for a direct military attack by Russia.
According to The Telegraph, a classified dossier has been commissioned, which will set out how the Government would respond to a declaration of war.
This would include bunkers to protect the Cabinet and the Royal family, public service broadcasts and the stockpiling of resources.
Sir Keir said: “Mark my words, the British defence industry will be the engine of national renewal, because this isn’t just about increasing our defence. It’s also about reform, rebuilding, and in coming weeks, we’ll publish a first of its kind, root and branch Strategic Defence Review.
“It will scrutinize every aspect of defence to determine how we can best meet the threats of today and return Britain to war fighting readiness.”
He vowed to deliver the “largest pay rise for over 20 years” for troops, better homes for service families, and an end to years of underinvestment.
But he argued the most radical pledge was a major cultural shift – to put security front and centre of the entire machinery of government.
The PM said: “(We are going) to see security and defence, not as one priority amongst many others, but as the central organising principle of government, the first thought in the morning, the last at night, the pillar on which everything else stands or falls.
“Because, as in 1945 this has to be a collective endeavour, a national effort, a time for the state, business and society to join hands in pursuit of the security of the nation and the prosperity of its people.”
After announcing a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets, he added: “We’re going to do that with the most ambitious programme of work to secure and rebuild our country since 1945.”
Ministers have been keen to stress the boost to jobs and prosperity that plans to increase the UK’s defence spending to 2.5 per cent of economic output by 2027 could provide, as they desperately try to grow the economy.
The Strategic Defence Review – or SDR – was ordered by the PM last autumn to deliver the biggest shake-up of Britain’s military since the Cold War.
It’s being drawn up by top brass including ex-NATO chief Lord Robertson, former forces commander Sir Richard Barrons and Russia expert Fiona Hill, and promises a total overhaul of everything from troop numbers to cyber weapons and next-gen kit.
The PM had planned to unveil a path to 2.5 per cent of GDP defence spending after the review was published.
But after Donald Trump stormed back into the White House, rattling NATO allies, the pledge was rushed out early – partly paid for by slashing Britain’s foreign aid budget