To meet its goals, the British government wants to increase defense spending by £ 24 billion ($ 33.3 billion) over the next four years, a huge increase from the £ 42.2 billion spent in 2019-2020.
The government has also pledged tens of billions of pounds in investments in other areas, including £ 15 billion for science and technology research and development, more than £ 17 billion to combat climate change and promote biodiversity, and £ 13 billion in the fight against coronavirus.
The document reaffirms the United Kingdom’s economic and defense partnerships with the United States as the most important in the world, and makes a strong commitment to the NATO alliance, but promises to expand Britain’s role worldwide, recognizing an inclination towards the Indo-Pacific in the next decade.
From this region, he calls the challenges posed by China.
“China’s growing power and international assertiveness are likely to be the most significant geopolitical factor of the 2020s,” says the analysis, describing Beijing as “the biggest state threat to the UK’s economic security”.
Speaking in parliament after the report was released, Johnson criticized China for its massive detention of the Uighur people in Xinjiang province and for the treatment of democracy advocates in Hong Kong, but said London should work with Beijing to resolve global issues.
“There is no doubt that China will represent a major challenge for an open society like ours, but we also work with China where this is consistent with our values and interests, including building a strong and positive economic relationship and addressing climate change, “he said. Said Johnson.
The 116-page report, entitled “Global Britain in a competitive age”, reserves its most significant criticisms of Russia.
“Russia will continue to be the most acute direct threat to the UK,” he said at one point.
“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,” he says in another, promising to work within the alliance to “prevent the use of weapons conventional nuclear weapons and hybrid threats to our security, especially from Russia. “
As part of its deterrence strategy, the UK will increase its number of nuclear warheads to 260, a substantial increase from a previously announced target of 180.
The Royal Navy will maintain four nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines to launch these warheads, ensuring that at least one submarine is in service at all times, the report said.
The submarine fleet will receive new ships in early 2030, when the first of the Dreadnaught class is delivered, replacing the Vanguard class submarines that have been in service since the early 1990s, the report says.
The document also reaffirms Britain’s nuclear commitment to NATO, saying the force could commit to defending its European allies, as well as the United Kingdom itself.
“Global Britain is not a reflection of old obligations, much less as a glorious gesture, but a necessity for the safety and prosperity of the British people in the coming decades. And I am determined that the United Kingdom will join our friends to ensure that societies freedoms flourish after the pandemic, sharing the risks and burdens of dealing with the world’s most difficult problems, “said Johnson.
“Britain will remain unwavering commitment to NATO and the preservation of peace and security in Europe and, from that secure base, we will seek friends and partners wherever they are, building a coalition of openness and innovation and engaging us more deeply in the Indo-Pacific.
Following the “Global Great Britain” theme, more UK troops will be sent abroad more often, says the report, highlighting the deployment later this year of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier’s attack group for the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and the waters of Asia-Pacific.
The deployment of the aircraft carrier strike group on a 20,000-mile journey and the exercises it will do with allies and partners along the way show the UK’s commitment to the freedom of the seas, Johnson said.
Britain will also renew its military installations abroad in places like Singapore, Oman, Kenya and Gibraltar.
The report also promises an expanded commitment to UK operations in outer space. The British military will form a Space Command, “ensuring that the armed forces have cutting-edge capabilities to promote Britain’s interests on Earth and in space” this summer.
Next year, Britain plans to have the ability to launch commercial satellites into Scotland’s space.
In the cyber realm, the report states that the United Kingdom is the third strongest cyber power in the world. He will try to harness that power in a new National Cyber Force that will be integrated with counterterrorism and military forces.
“By strengthening our armed forces, we will extend British influence and, at the same time, create jobs across the UK, strengthening the union and maximizing our advantage in science and technology,” said Johnson.
“With the extra investment and new features of the integrated review, I believe the UK can thrive in an increasingly competitive world and fulfill our historic mission as a force for good,” concluded the prime minister.
The opposition attacked what it said were gaps in the document, including no mention of possible cuts in the British Armed Forces that have appeared in media reports in the past few days.
“This review was built on foundations that have been weakened in the past decade,” said labor leader Kier Starmer. “Our armed forces, our numbers have been reduced by 45,000 and there is still a 17 million black hole in the defense equipment plan.”
“The Prime Minister cannot avoid the question that everyone in our armed forces and their families will ask today: will there be further cuts in the power of our army and our armed forces?”
The hard lines in the document on Russia and China belie recent government actions towards these countries, he said.
“18 months ago, Russia’s analysis concluded that the threat was urgent and immediate. So, why have none of its recommendations been implemented?” Starmer said.
And with respect to China, he said the new toughness came a decade too late.
“Conservative governments have spent 10 years turning a blind eye to human rights abuses while inviting China to help build our infrastructure. Now, this basic inconsistency is catching up with them,” said Starmer.
CNN’s Christopher Johnson contributed to this report.