Mr Wallace will tomorrow publish the Government's long-awaited Defence Command Paper which will set out how ministers intend to modernise the UK's capabilities. Any cut in the size of the armed forces is likely to spark a furious backlash from some Tory MPs. Mr Wallace's comments came after it emerged that Britain's Special Forces will be tasked with countering hostile state activity by the likes of Russia. Royal Marine Commandos are pictured during an exercise in Dorset on March 19What will be in the new Defence Command Paper? The overhaul could see Special Forces soldiers operating alongside MI6 to mount surveillance operations against Russian intelligence and military units.

Source: The Nation March 21, 2021 12:00 UTC