Britain has turned its back on the European Union's rearmament scheme following demands from France. It is reported that the Government decided to quit Security Action for Europe (SAFE) after France called for the UK to pay £5.7billion.

The programme is set to provide up to €150 billion (£130 billion) in long-term loans to member states for defence spending and large-scale investments. Sir Keir Starmer previously said SAFE would benefit the UK's defence industry, but has now pulled the plug on involvement. However, the UK will still be able to participate as a "third country", meaning it will be competing against the likes of the United States for a limited number of defence contracts.

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