THE SQUARE Today 🌐 23 April 2024

Sunak increases UK defence spending to 2.5%

Today, PM Rishi Sunak announced a significant increase in the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by the end of the decade, amounting to an additional £75 billion over the next six years. This decision, made alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw, aims to surpass the NATO alliance’s 2% target — a crucial step towards enhancing national security and upholding strategic interests. Sunak emphasised the UK’s need to take responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on external support.

The plan includes a substantial investment of £10 billion to bolster the UK’s defense industry, focusing on the production of munitions, drones, and related equipment. This initiative is set to put the defence sector on a “war footing”, aligning with the evolving security landscape in the West. Sunak explained that the increased defence spending would be “fully funded” without resorting to additional borrowing.

Tragic deaths in Channel crossing

A tragic incident occurred this morning in the attempted crossing of the Channel by migrants in a small boat, resulting in the loss of five lives, including that of a seven-year-old girl. Home Secretary James Cleverly described the deaths as a “tragedy”, emphasising the need to prevent such dangerous crossings. PM Rishi Sunak highlighted the importance of his Rwanda plan in light of these deaths, emphasising the compassionate aspect of the government’s efforts to deter risky migration attempts.

The Council of Europe’s human rights watchdog and top UN officials have criticised Sunak’s Rwanda bill, citing significant human rights and rule of law issues.