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Britain has pledged to end the “era of withdrawal” by announcing the largest military investment since the end of the Cold War, despite the coronavirus crisis hitting the economy, as it seeks to define its post-Brexit role. on the world stage.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to forge a leadership role for Britain in a new era of global cooperation and free trade, backed by modern military and cyber capabilities.
Johnson said the increased spending reflects the need to upgrade military capabilities, including pioneering technology with plans for a new space command and an artificial intelligence agency.
In a speech to parliament outlining the first conclusions of the largest foreign and defense policy review in three decades, Johnson will announce an additional £ 16.5 billion to the military over the next four years.
The defense budget is currently just under £ 42 billion a year.
“I have made this decision in the midst of the pandemic because the defense of the kingdom must come first,” Johnson said in a statement.
“The international situation is more dangerous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand by our allies. To achieve this, we need to enhance our capabilities across the board.” .
At a time of heightened global uncertainty, the continuing rise of China and after four years of international diplomacy by US President Donald Trump, Britain’s 2016 vote to leave the European Union has cast doubt on its own role and role. global influence.
The new financial deal comes just a week after Johnson promised US President-elect Joe Biden that Britain was determined to remain a valuable military ally.
The government said the increase in military spending will cement the UK’s position as Europe’s largest defense spender, NATO’s second-largest, and enable more investment in areas such as cyber and space.
Defense Minister Ben Wallace said Britain was not increasing its military budget at the expense of international aid, amid media reports that billions of pounds could be cut from the foreign aid budget.
“It does not mean that we are abandoning the battlefield of international aid, we remain one of the most generous donors of international aid,” Wallace told Sky News.
The full findings of the defense and security review, a threat and capabilities study, will be announced next year.
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