UK’s ability to defend itself questioned by MPs as new arms factories promised

The Commons Defence Committee has issued a stark warning about the UK’s ability to fight a war (PA) - (PA Archive)

The UK lacks a plan to defend itself from a military attack, MPs warned as the Government promised to boost readiness with new arms factories.

At least 13 sites across the UK have been identified for new factories to make munitions and military explosives, with Defence Secretary John Healey expecting the arms industry to break ground at the first plant next year.