The United Kingdom has announced a significant boost to its armed forces to address rising global threats from what has been termed a “deadly quartet” of China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. This move follows a defence review led by George Robertson, the former NATO Secretary General, who will report back in the first half of 2025.
Revitalizing Britain’s Armed Forces
Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched the review, describing the current state of the UK’s armed forces as “hollowed out.” He emphasized the need for responsible spending to ensure long-term resilience and battle readiness in the face of mounting global threats. Robertson, who served as NATO Secretary General from 1999 to 2003 and as a British defence minister in the late 1990s, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“We’re confronted by a deadly quartet of nations increasingly working together,” Robertson told British media. “We in this country, and the NATO alliance that met so successfully last week, have got to be able to confront that particular quartet as well as other emerging problems.”
The “Deadly Quartet”: A Growing Threat
The term “deadly quartet” refers to the collective threats posed by China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. These nations have increasingly collaborated on various fronts, challenging global stability and security. At a recent NATO summit in Washington, the challenges posed by China were specifically underscored, highlighting the need for a robust and prepared military response.
Robertson emphasized, “The NATO summit last week in Washington made it perfectly clear that the challenge of China was something that had to be taken very, very seriously indeed.”
Leadership of the Defence Review
Alongside Robertson, the review will be overseen by Fiona Hill, a former U.S. presidential adviser and foreign policy expert, and General Richard Barrons, a retired British Army officer who previously served as Commander of the Joint Forces Command. Their combined expertise is expected to provide a comprehensive assessment and actionable recommendations for strengthening the UK’s military capabilities.
Commitment to Increased Defence Spending
Prime Minister Starmer reiterated his commitment to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP during the NATO summit in the United States. Although a timeline for this increase has not been specified, the pledge underscores the UK government’s recognition of the need for enhanced military funding.
Launching the review, Starmer stated, “I want to ensure that our armed forces are prepared to face any threats, and responsibly raising spending is a crucial step in achieving long-term resilience and readiness.”
Ensuring Battle Readiness
The review will focus on ensuring that the UK’s armed forces are equipped and trained to meet contemporary threats effectively. Robertson highlighted the necessity of being battle-ready given the current threat level, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures.
“We need to be battle-ready given the threat level,” Robertson said. “The collaboration between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia poses a significant challenge, and we must be prepared to confront it.”
The UK’s decision to boost its armed forces marks a pivotal step in addressing global security challenges. The defence review, led by experienced leaders, aims to provide a roadmap for enhancing military capabilities and ensuring the country’s preparedness against the “deadly quartet” of China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. As the review progresses, the UK’s commitment to increased defence spending and long-term resilience will be crucial in maintaining national and global security.
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