UK prime minister vows to strengthen defense, meet NATO commitments

Prime Minister Andy Bernham told the General Assembly that the United Kingdom will bolster its military readiness and honor its NATO commitments as part of a broader strategy to defend national and allied security. "We will be relentless in building up our hard power and deterrence," Bernham said, framing the effort as part of a wider ten-year plan to restore stability and economic dynamism.

Bernham linked military readiness to societal resilience, saying "there is no national security without a strong cohesive society underneath it," and argued that defense policy must be paired with measures that reduce inequality and boost opportunity at home. He emphasized the UK will strengthen European capabilities, avoid inflammatory rhetoric toward Russia and focus on preparedness rather than provocation.