The announcement, due to be made in Parliament this week, is set to see hundreds of millions of pounds invested in Britain’s diplomatic and military ties. Mr Javid said: “Across our history, Britain has thrived as an open, free-trading nation. As we leave the EU, we are deeply committed to playing a leading role on the global stage. That means bolstering alliances, celebrating our culture, building new trading relationships and making sure we can act when needed to keep our people safe. We shouldn’t be ashamed of being proud of our place in the world. We are and will remain a great nation with fantastic assets.”
The move is aimed at putting the UK on the front foot, particularly if the EU refuses to strike a fair deal and Brexit happens with no final agreement made.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made it clear he wants to focus Britain’s efforts on striking trade deals with the rest of the world outside the EU, with economic growth highest in Asia and the Americas.
The Chancellor’s spending review has been overshadowed by a row with Downing Street over the sacking of one of his key aides, Sonia Khan, by chief of staff Dominic Cummings.
A senior government source claimed that Ms Khan was being “used as a head on a spike to warn spads [special advisers] and ministers to keep in line”.
It is understood Mr Javid voiced anger over the sacking while David Cameron’s former director of communications Sir Craig Oliver likened it to a “mafia” operation. But despite the bruising row, Mr Javid is set to unveil a bold package to push forward the “Global Britain” agenda after Brexit.
The UK’s primary aim after departure on October 31 will be to complete a free trade deal with the US, with President Donald Trump keen to get an agreement done quickly.
The measures receiving funding in 2020-21 from Mr Javid’s announcements are expected to include a £90million investment in embassies and consulate offices.
Another £60million will be allocated to extend the GREAT campaign – which promotes British business – for another year.
This has helped around 100,000 businesses to take action towards exporting, and encourages people from around the world to visit, study and do business in the UK.
An initial £13million will be spent to support preparations for the UK’s G7 presidency in 2021.
There will be £46million extra for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
And there will be a boost to the overall defence budget, exceeding our commitment to grow spending by 0.5 percent above inflation and spending at least two per cent of GDP.
The Government has indicated that this is to ensure the UK’s world-class Armed Forces can continue to be a “force for good” around the world and the best funded in Europe.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed that the NHS is at nine on a scale of one to 10 in terms of being ready for a no-deal Brexit.
A number of doctors and other health professionals have expressed concern that a no-deal Brexit would negatively affect this year’s flu vaccine supply.
But Mr Hancock said because a no-deal Brexit is a “serious option”, preparations are underway for that scenario in the NHS.
“We’re doing everything we need to do to ensure that there’s the unhindered supply of medicines.
“And there are medicine shortages in the UK all the time,” he said at the Big Tent Ideas Festival in east London, also acknowledging that there are “particular circumstances” around a no-deal Brexit.
Referring to concerns about a shortage of flu vaccines in a no-deal situation, he said: “A really good case in point in terms of what we’re doing is on flu.
“Flu vaccines come in over the autumn in batches in September, October, November.
“November is of course after we’ll have left the EU.
“But in order to mitigate against that, this year we’ll bring in the vaccines ahead of the deadline.”
Mr Hancock was asked on a scale of one to 10 how ready the NHS is for a no-deal Brexit, and he replied: “Oh, I’d say right now it’s nine out of 10.
“By October 31 it’ll be 10 out of 10.
“As ready as it can be.”
He also said pharmaceutical companies – and the whole supply chain – play a part.
“The NHS is there to cope in difficult circumstances,” he said.
