strategic defence and security review
Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty is the first Strategic Defence Review to be published since 1998 and reflects both shifting defence needs and the coalition's commitment to spending cuts in defence. In theory the review is guided by yesterday's publication of the National Security Strategy: A Strong Britain in an Age of Uncertainty, drawn up by the newly formed National Security Council and outlining the perceived threats facing the UK.
The most serious threats to the UK - Tier One threats - were identified as international and domestic terrorism, attacks on UK cyber space, national disasters and (interestingly) military conflicts between other states. Mirroring Cameron's foreign relations priorities the report called for developing closer ties with BRIC powers while strengthening traditional ties with the US and France. The NSS justifies the spending cuts, outlined in the SDSR, as vital to national security; “An economic deficit is a security deficit,” and Cameron said that defence spending will fall by 8% over the next four years. / Read more