Grangemouth ethylene plant backed amid defence resilience concerns
Speaking to the UK Defence Journal at Grangemouth, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the ethylene cracker is “absolutely essential for our national security” and a key part of UK critical infrastructure.
US personnel killed in ISIS ambush during Syria engagement
Two US service members and a US civilian interpreter were killed in Syria on 13 December after an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman, according to US Central Command.
MOD points to early gains in retaining military engineers
Ministers say new pay incentives and flexible service terms are beginning to improve retention among engineering and technical specialists, despite continued competition from the civilian labour market.
UK to reach 3% defence spend next Parliament, Healey says
The UK remains committed to meeting NATO’s new defence spending benchmark of 5% of GDP by 2035, with defence spending set to rise to 3% in the next Parliament.
UK considers defence offsets as ministers consult industry
The government is considering introducing a formal defence offsetting policy as part of its forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, with consultations now under way.
During Defence...
Rutte highlights German role after NATO spending pledge
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Germany’s defence commitments and outlined alliance priorities during a joint press conference with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
NATO deputy discusses Russia, Ukraine and drones at Aspen
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed alliance unity, relations with Russia and support for Ukraine during a fireside chat at the 2025 Aspen Security Forum in Washington.
UK Government £150m deal secures Grangemouth ethylene plant
The UK government has partnered with INEOS in a £150 million joint investment to secure the future of Britain’s last ethylene plant at Grangemouth.
Army Reserve recruits waiting around seven months to join
New Ministry of Defence figures show that prospective Army Reserve recruits face a wait of around seven months from application to entry, highlighting persistent friction in the Reserve recruitment pipeline.
Conscription not planned but not ruled out by defence chief
Speaking to Andrew Marr on LBC, Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton said there are currently no plans for conscription, but declined to rule it out longer term.
