CHINA, Russia and Iran could pose threats to Britain for decades – but Rishi Sunak insists we still need to work together with them.
A landmark review of Britain’s security policy published today warned the world will become more unstable and dangerous until after the 2030s.
Rishi Sunak stands by a decommissioned USS Midway Aircraft Carrier in San Diego, during his visit to the US for meetings with President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese
Authoritarian and rogue states are challenging the world order and deliberately trying to undermine it.
China is deepening its ties with Russia, while Mad Vlad Putin is buddying up to Iran.
The review says the trio have made risks to national security greater than at any time in decades.
To keep the public safe, Britain must hike defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP in the years to come.
The refresh of the 2021 Integrated Review – ordered under Liz Truss after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – still says Russia is the biggest threat to the UK.
But China is hot on their heels too – pursuing aggression in Taiwan and “threatening to create a world defined by danger, disorder and division”.
In a forward to the Integrated Review, the PM says: “China poses an epoch-defining challenge to the type of international order we want to see, both in terms of security and values – and so our approach must evolve.”
But the report adds that government “does not accept that China’s relationship with the UK or its impact on the international system are set on a predetermined course”.
Government officials would prefer “better cooperation and understanding, and predictability and stability for global public good”.
However, that will depend on “the choices China makes”.
The review makes four key recommendations for Britain’s international relations: Shape the international environment; deter, defend and compete across all domains; address vulnerabilities through resilience and generate strategic advantage.
The PM faces strong backlash from MPs over his soft stance on China.
The review comes as Mr Sunak meets with US President Joe Biden today to finalise and announce the major sale of nuclear submarines to Australia.
In sunny San Diego the PM and Mr Biden will hold one-to-one talks before joining their Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to launch AUKUS.
Mr Sunak will also discuss a recently confirmed £5bn boost to defence spending.
But the new funding falls far short of the £11bn that Defence Secretary Ben Wallace originally said was needed to fill a black hole in army finances.
The minister has warned Britain’s Armed Forces have been “hollowed out” by inflation and kit and ammo sent to Ukraine.
Today Labour hit out at the Integrated Review, claiming it “fails to secure Britain’s national defence for the future as threats increase”.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The first duty of any government is to defend the country and keep its citizens safe. But the Conservatives have failed to secure Britain’s national defence for the future.
“The Integrated Review and Budget will not address concerns over critical capabilities which weaken our national defence and undermine the UK’s NATO obligations.
“Labour’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable. We will publish a defence and security review in our first year of government to make sure capabilities match the threats we face.”
