UK defence plans are ambitious but face challenges

Significance

Johnson says the funding will be used to give the United Kingdom Europe’s largest navy, an enhanced global military presence, a new space force and greater cyber warfare capabilities. The Integrated Review, which identifies policy needs and the resources required to fund them, will not be ready until early 2021.

Impacts

• It will be difficult to meet all the investment pledges in face of the budgetary pressures associated with COVID-19.
• Public opposition to the plans could grow, especially if it results in social policy cuts or increased taxes.
• It is likely that less investment will be directed towards the building of new armoured vehicles.