UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today said that he would do “whatever it takes” to keep the country safe, amid reports that suspected Chinese spy balloons could also target Britain.
His response came hours after the US shot down a fourth flying object over the American airspace.I want people to know that we will do whatever it takes to keep the country safe,” Mr Sunak told reporters.
The US claims that the first of the four objects it shot down was a sophisticated, high-altitude balloon which was part of an ongoing, global “fleet” of Chinese espionage balloons. A report also claimed that China has operated a fleet of spy balloons targeting several countries including India.
Amid mounting fears, Britain’s defence secretary has ordered a security review.Rishi Sunak also suggested that UK is ready to launch fighter jets to shoot down any spy balloons if the need arises.
“We have something called the quick reaction alert force, which involves Typhoon planes kept on 24/7 readiness to police our airspace. I can’t obviously comment in detail on national security matters but we are in constant touch with our allies and as I said we will do whatever it takes to keep the country safe,” he said.