Sir Keir Starmer has been torn apart by a former head of the British Army over defence spending. Lord Dannatt warned that increasing the amount spent to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027 and an ambition to hit 3% by 2034 is not enough.
He told Times Radio: “But the big issue… is that just moving to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 does not cut the mustard in any shape or form. And this rather vague commitment to move to 3% by the end of the next parliament, 2034, it just doesn’t stack up.
Former head of British Army Lord Dannatt and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: TIMES RADIO/GETTY)
“It’s a little bit like saying in 1938 to Adolf Hitler ‘please don’t attack us until 1946 because we are not going to be ready’.
“Frankly, if we had behaved like that we wouldn’t be speaking English this morning, would we.”
His comments came as the Prime Minister unveiled a long-awaited defence review today.
But the launch was overshadowed by questions about his plans to bump up defence spending.
Sir Keir insisted the plans in the strategic defence review could be delivered on current funding plans.
The Government will reach 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with an ambition – but no firm commitment – to increase it to 3% during the next parliament.
The Tories attacked Labour over the refusal to set a date for hitting 3% defence spending.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said: “All of Labour’s strategic defence review promises will be taken with a pinch of salt unless they can show there will actually be enough money to pay for them.
“Whereas, far from guaranteeing the funding, John Healey has been hung out to dry by Rachel Reeves.”
