Politics
17:20, 21-Jun-2018
UK's May asked defense minister to justify UK status as 'tier one' military power: FT
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Prime Minister Theresa May asked her defense minister to justify the United Kingdom’s status as a "tier one" military power, sending shockwaves through the defense establishment just weeks before a major NATO summit, the Financial Times reported.
The FT said May told Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson that he needed to rethink the capabilities needed to be a modern military force and focus more on Britain’s ability to tackle any cyber warfare threats, including from Russia.
Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson next to a life-sized replica of Red Arrows Hawk jet parked outside 10 Downing Street on May 23, 2018. /VCG Photo
Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson next to a life-sized replica of Red Arrows Hawk jet parked outside 10 Downing Street on May 23, 2018. /VCG Photo
May’s office denied the report.
"It is categorically untrue to suggest that the UK’s position as a Tier One Defense Nation is somehow in question," said a spokesman.
May’s intervention created shockwaves at the defense ministry, the FT reported, without citing a source.
The Defense Ministry declined to offer an immediate comment.
Source(s): Reuters