UK to increase its defence budget by 16.5 billion pounds (USD 21.8 billion) in the next four years to deal with “perilous” international situation and “bolster its global influence.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first.”
“The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies,” he said.
He further said this is UK’s chance to transform their Armed Forces and increase its global influence. “This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our Armed Forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life,” Boris said.
