News

Defence Secretary boosts Britain’s chemical capability

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced measures to maintain the UK’s world-leading chemical analysis and defence capability, as he warned of the intensifying threats the country faces in his first keynote speech in the role.

Whilst outlining his vision for the ongoing Modernising Defence Programme on a Policy Exchange platform at Rolls-Royce’s Bristol factory, the Defence Secretary claimed that the recent attack in Salisbury should leave the country in no doubt of the threat the country faces.

In light of the response to the attempted murder, he has announced that Dstl will receive £48 million of extra funding to invest in a brand new ‘Chemical Weapons Defence Centre’ at Porton Down to ensure the UK retains its world leading capability in chemical analysis and defence.

Official Event Partner: Dstl

With main construction on the Centre set to begin next month, it will go on to contain cutting-edge chemical analysis laboratories with the capability to identify any chemical agent through forensic analysis.

With the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threat growing from a range of state actors, the Defence Secretary also announced that thousands of troops held at high readiness will be vaccinated against anthrax. This will ensure that troops are both protected and are ready to deploy to areas where the risk of an anthrax attack exists.

Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: “The choice before us as a nation is simple – to sit back and let events overtake us or step forward. Our Modernising Defence Programme will make sure our country can respond to the changing nature of warfare and the new threats we face to British interests.

“I can announce we are investing £48 million in a new Chemical Weapons Defence Centre to maintain our cutting-edge in chemical analysis and defence. I’ve also made the decision to offer the anthrax vaccine to our forces at the highest readiness, providing them with vital protection against a deadly danger. By using all our power, hard and soft, Britain will continue bringing light to a darkening world.”

Image © Crown Copyright

Dstl are an Official Event Partner at DPRTE 2018 – don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to attend, sponsor or exhibit at DPRTE 2018, book now at www.dprte.co.uk/book-now

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.

The post Defence Secretary boosts Britain’s chemical capability appeared first on Defence Online.

 

Who are we?

From publishing the first national directory of public sector contracts, to being the first to market with our online Tracker solution, we have been the true pioneers of technology and innovation in the public sector marketplace. Throughout our 39 years, we have continued to evolve and chart new territory – placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. Take your business to the next level with Tracker now.

If you request a demo today!

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Start Your Free Trial Today

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

When you sign up for a 3 day free trial or demo.

Limited time only

    BiP Solutions owns DCI and we look after your details carefully. We offer a range of products, services and events (some of which are free) that help buyers tender more efficiently and suppliers find, bid for and win public and private sector contracts. Only tick this box if you wish to receive information about these. We will never share your details with third parties and you will have the opportunity of opting out of communications every time we contact you. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy