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

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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.

In a speech in London he will say the “new era of threat” presents an economic opportunity with at least 1,000 new jobs to be created.

Defence Secretary John Healey will say the ‘new era of threat’ present