Starmer promises to make Britain ‘a battle-ready, armour-clad nation’

WorldPolitics
3 Jun 2025 • 6:26 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • The UK's strategic defence review (SDR) warns of the 'pressing and immediate' threat from Russia, suggesting the need for quicker action to bolster defence capabilities.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the SDR, promising to make Britain a 'battle-ready, armour-clad nation' with an army of 100,000, new submarines, drones, and AI integration.
  • Defence Secretary John Healey stressed the urgency for Britain’s army to become '10 times more lethal' due to threats from Russia and China, advocating for a 'new era for UK defence'.
  • The SDR recommends increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP, but concerns have been raised about funding, with warnings of potential tax hikes to meet the ambitious goals.
  • The review, led by Lord George Robertson, includes 62 recommendations and highlights that the armed forces are currently ill-prepared for conflicts with adversaries like Russia or China, citing inadequate resources and personnel.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved