Britain plans ‘war battle’ with North Korea
Britain is reportedly preparing to draw up plans for a possible military confrontation with North Korea as concerns rise that another provocative missile test could trigger a military response by the US.
According to the Daily Mail, which originally reported the story, one of the plans involves deploying the UK’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to the region, which will be handed over to the Navy later this year before it undergoes flight trials.
North Korea is being closely watched amid fears it could launch another long-range missile test on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the founding of its ruling party.
“We have plenty of ships to send – the Type-45 destroyers, the Type-23 frigates,” a senior Whitehall source told the newspaper. “Britain’s new aircraft carrier could be pressed into service early if things turn south.”
In 1982, the UK rushed aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious into service early for the war with Argentina over the Falkland.
US President Donald Trump’s said last week that “only one thing will work” against North Korea, once again raising the prospects of a war after nakedly threatening Pyongyang with nuclear force.
…hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017
“This was a reaction to protect British territory, however. In this case [North Korea], the UK would be part of a united global coalition. We would see what support we could give,” a Navy source told the Mail.
The president has previously said the United States would “totally destroy” North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies from Pyongyang’s nuclear threats.
Sir Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said last week that the UK should increase its military spending in the face of growing threats from states such as North Korea.
Last month, Sir Michael told the BBC that Britain was at risk from Pyongyang’’s long-range nuclear missile programme.
