'Battle-ready, armour-clad' UK promised in new funding

THE UK will move to “war-fighting readiness”, Sir Keir Starmer said as questions remained about his plans to increase defence spending.

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The Prime Minister said he was “100% confident” the plans in the new strategic defence review - including extra attack submarines, £15 billion on nuclear warheads and thousands of new long-range weapons - could be delivered on current funding plans.

The Government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product from April 2027 with an ambition - but no firm commitment - to increase it to 3% during the next parliament.

The Prime Minister said all parts of society needed to be involved in dealing with an increasingly dangerous world.