UK invests millions in new chemical facility in wake of spy poisoning
1 min read
Gavin Williamson will today warn the UK is at a "crossroads" and must counter security threats by investing more in the military.
The Defence Secretary is set to announce a £48m investment in a new Chemical Weapons Defence Centre to combat the threat from countries such as Russia and North Korea.
Thousands of British troops will also be vaccinated against Anthrax, he will add.
His call for more defence spending renews a long-running battle with Chancellor Philip Hammond over the forces' budgets.
'PROFOUND MOMENT'
Speaking in Bristol today, Mr Williamson will say: "We have arrived at a profound moment in our history, a crossroads where the choice before us as a nation is simple - to sit back and let events overtake us or step forward.
“As Brexit beckons, the eyes of the world are on us.
“In the face of intensifying threats, we must prioritise investment in military capabilities.
“We cannot sit back and let events overtake us. We have to be the ones who determine our future.”
On the new chemical centre, which will be part of the Porton Down facility in Wiltshire, he will say:
"We know the chemical threat doesn't just come from Russia but from others.
"I can announce we will be strengthening this capability by investing £48m in a new Chemical Weapons Defence Centre to ensure we maintain our cutting edge in chemical analysis and defence."
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