Malcolm Turnbull questions Aukus submarine deal amid UK economy’s ‘existential problems’

Former PM calls lack of discussion of French subs deal a ‘tragic omission’ and says ‘practical issues’ remain unaddressed

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Malcolm Turnbull has joined former prime minister Paul Keating in raising concerns over the Aukus submarine deal, as well as questioning the UK’s ability to continue massive investment in its military given its economic woes.

Turnbull questioned Australia entering into the $368bn Aukus pact, after Keating labelled it the “worst deal in all history” and the “worst international decision” by a Labor government since Billy Hughes attempted to introduce conscription.

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