Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a major defence overhaul to prepare Britain for modern threats, but experts warn that the lack of clear funding raises doubts about its viability.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the most significant overhaul of the UK's defence strategy since the Cold War, unveiling plans to strengthen the nation's military capabilities in response to rising global threats. The new Strategic Defence Review (SDR) outlines a broad expansion of the armed forces and increased investments in cutting-edge technologies, but it has also triggered a wave of criticism over its financial feasibility.
The SDR aims to expand the British Army to 100,000 personnel, commission up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines, and invest heavily in artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber defence capabilities. A new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will also be established to counter emerging digital threats.
Starmer pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an “ambition” to reach 3% during the next Parliament. However, critics argue that the absence of a firm timeline for the 3% target raises questions about the government’s commitment. Defence experts and political opponents warn that without secured and sustainable funding, the ambitious proposals risk remaining unrealised.
Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, cautioned that the scale of planned investment may necessitate significant tax increases unless offset by spending cuts elsewhere. “You cannot boost defence at this scale without either cutting other areas or raising taxes,” Johnson said.
Opposition MPs have called the review an “empty wish list,” expressing concern that the Labour government is making promises it may struggle to deliver. They point out that previous defence reviews also set high aspirations that later had to be scaled back due to budget constraints.
Despite the criticism, the government maintains that all 62 recommendations of the review will be implemented and insists that the UK must be prepared for the shifting security landscape shaped by Russia, China, and the rise of state-based threats.
The SDR marks a clear pivot in the UK’s defence posture, with Starmer stating: “We must be battle-ready in a world that is increasingly unstable.” Still, without detailed financial planning, the success of the strategy remains uncertain.
The UK has intensified economic pressure on Russia by announcing a new wave of sanctions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced 30 new measures which target key areas of Russia’s financial, military, and energy sectors, in response to President Volodymyr Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang "on special instructions" from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the Russian Security Council.
The 51st G7 Leaders' Summit kicked off in Kananaskis, Canada, with President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing a landmark trade agreement that cuts tariffs on autos, steel, aluminium, beef, and ethanol, strengthening economic ties between the US and UK.
World leaders are gathering in Calgary in Canada for the G7 summit, where the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is set to dominate discussions.
The UK will boost its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and push defence readiness in response to evolving global threats and shifting U.S. security commitments under President Trump.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
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