Boris Johnson set to announce largest military investment in decades as well as new UK 'Space Command'

Boris Johnson is set to announce the largest military investment in decades.

The Prime Minister will set out a £16.5 billion increase over four years to the defence budget that will ensure the UK remains the second highest defence spender in Nato.

Mr Johnson will also promise that Scotland and other devolved nations will now play a bigger role in the UK’s defences.

The commitment includes an ambition to expand the shipbuilding programme in Clyde, as well as a new UK “Space Command”, with the first rocket launched from Scotland by 2022.

He will say: “Next year will be a year of British leadership, when we preside over the G7, host COP26 in Glasgow and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first United Nations General Assembly.

“Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies, sharing the burdens and bringing our expertise to bear on the world’s toughest problems.

“The returns of this investment will go far beyond our armed forces, creating thousands of jobs, reinforcing the Union and levelling up our country.”

The investment will give hope to the Black Watch, which is said to be one of many Scottish regiments in the firing line as the army faces disbanding troops as part of cuts.

Tomorrow Mr Johnson will insist the investment will create jobs and see an expansion of British forces.

On existing forecasts, this is an overall cash increase of £24.1bn over four years compared to last year’s budget.

He will say: “I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first.

“The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies.

“To achieve this, we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board.

“This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our armed forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life.”

The spending commitment will finance the UK’s order of eight Type 26 and five Type 31 frigates, which are constructed on the Clyde, creating thousands of jobs.

Mr Johnson will also set out his commitment to the next generation of warship – the Type 32 – which would also be built in the UK.

Investment will also be made in research to prepare for conflicts on land and sea, and in the air, space and cyberspace.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “This is excellent news for defence and provides us with the financial certainty we need to modernise, plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face.

“This settlement secures UK jobs and livelihoods, allows us to invest in our fantastic shipyards and aerospace industry, spreading prosperity to every corner of the UK.

“Next year represents a huge opportunity for this country, and defence will be at the forefront of creating the jobs and business opportunities that will help us build back from the pandemic.”

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