Advertisement

New Ship To Guard Against 'Russian Aggression'

New Ship To Guard Against 'Russian Aggression'

A new Royal Navy ship will help guard the UK against Russian aggression in Europe and terrorism around the world, the Defence Secretary has said.

As work began on HMS Medway, Michael Fallon insisted Britain must maintain a strong Navy in the face of emerging global threats.

His comments come after US President Barack Obama expressed concern that budget cuts may see Britain drop below the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defence.

Speaking at BAE's Govan shipyard in Glasgow, Mr Fallon said: "The United States wants all European countries to do more to defend themselves with the rise of Russia and the aggression that we have seen in the east, and the very direct threat of ISIL (Islamic State) and instability in the Middle East, to the streets of London, Paris and Brussels.

"We face across the world terrorism, piracy, drug smuggling, so it's very important that we keep our Navy up.

"In recent months you have seen a more aggressive Russia sailing submarines and ships close to our coast, moving aircraft into our airspace, so it's very important that we continue to strengthen and modernise our defences.

"This ship today is very much part of that."

Following Mr Obama's comments, David Cameron dismissed claims that Britain's role on the world stage is "shrinking" - although he would not commit to meeting NATO's 2% target.

The Prime Minister told his closing press conference at the G7: "When our flagship is saving lives in the Mediterranean, when we are training the Iraqi army, training Afghan officers, our jets are flying air patrolling missions over the Baltic, our submarines are silently patrolling the seas giving us a nuclear deterrent 365 days a year…

"We are ordering the largest aircraft carriers that the Royal Navy has ever had, we have the A400Ms, we have the Joint Strike Fighters on their way...

"The idea that this £160bn equipment budget that we have protected (from) inflation, that that represents strategic shrinkage, is nonsense.

"Britain is a serious global player in the world with the budget to back it up."

Meanwhile, the SNP is reportedly seeking two seats on the Commons Defence Committee in recognition of Scotland's geographical and technological importance to the industry.

Mr Fallon said: "That's a matter for the House of Commons but it's for the SNP to argue its case.

"I hope they understand, though, that this investment today is an investment not just in Scotland but in the defence of the United Kingdom which the clear majority of the Scottish people voted for last autumn."