The UK’s Liberal Democrats are lobbying for a 10,000-pound ($13,378) bonus for recruits to increase military enrolment.
The potential initiative is a response to disruptions caused by conflict and breaches in network infrastructure, as well as challenges posed by “a barbaric Putin and an erratic Trump,” according to Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey.
Under the planned scheme, the new hires will receive their bonus after completing the necessary training and serving for two years.
Former soldiers are also intended to be offered 20,000 pounds ($26,749) if they opt for two additional years.
The proposal would be limited to 3,000 personnel — including new troops and re-enlistees — with funding covered by 60 million pounds ($80.3 million) sourced from London’s core defense budget.
Currently, the British Armed Forces has an annual starting salary from 25,200 to 26,000 pounds ($33,703 to $34,776).
Of the approximate 180,000 UK service members, 17,000 were approved for an up to 30,000-pound ($40,174) additional payment in exchange for three more years as part of a retention program signed last November.
“War readiness also starts at home,” Davey explained in an interview with BBC. “Which is why I am calling for a public awareness campaign aimed at every home in Britain – to make sure we’re all prepared for the possibility of a conflict or hostile acts such as major cyber-attacks.”
