The UK is on a war footing and the Prime Minister has insisted there will be a “root and branch Strategic Defence Review” to boost Britain’s readiness for war.
Earlier this week it was reported the UK is quietly preparing for an attack by Moscow or even a war with Russia, according to The Telegraph.
During a VE Day speech at the London Defence Conference Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to overhaul the armed forces.
Starmer said, “Mark my words, the British defence industry will be the engine of national renewal, because this isn’t just about increasing our defence.
“It’s also about reform, rebuilding, and in coming weeks, we’ll publish a first of its kind, root and branch Strategic Defence Review.
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“It will scrutinize every aspect of defence to determine how we can best meet the threats of today and return Britain to war fighting readiness.”
He vowed Labour will deliver the “largest pay rise for over 20-years” for soldies along with better living conditions.
Starmer said, “(We will0 see security and defence, not as one priority amongst many others, but as the central organising principle of government, the first thought in the morning, the last at night, the pillar on which everything else stands or falls.
“Because, as in 1945 this has to be a collective endeavour, a national effort, a time for the state, business and society to join hands in pursuit of the security of the nation and the prosperity of its people.”
The Prime Minister announced a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce to provide maintenance for the UK’s Typhoon fighter jets.
Starmer added, “We’re going to do that with the most ambitious programme of work to secure and rebuild our country since 1945.”
The former Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind warned on Thursday that VE Day should teach the government about being prepared for war as the threat from Russia grows as there is “unease” across Europe.
Sir Malcolm said, “Though it was still absurd to believe that Russia could move on and occupy Europe, there was a sense that it might not be over.
“Some parts of the Second World War serve as a warning of what happens when we do not recognise a threat early. VE Day is one of those, the Munich Conference was another.
“There are lessons to be learned. Some of those go back to the 1930s.
“Now, we have an opportunity to learn from the past to prepare for the future.”
