Impact of Russia’s invasion on UK Integrated Review
Many inside the UK’s Conservative Party are calling for an uplift to the country’s defence budget in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But unsurprisingly, leaks from Cabinet discussions indicate the Treasury is less supportive, arguing defence already enjoyed a substantial increase as part of the government’s last Spending Review.
Aside from the usual suspects – such as the heads of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Select Committees – those calling for an increase include Lord Frost, former Cabinet Office minister and close ally of Boris Johnson, and former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon. Probably of more political concern for Johnson is they also include former UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, a potential alternative prime minister.… Seguir leyendo »