Keir Starmer is facing increasing calls from his own MPs and defence leaders to urgently raise the UK’s defence spending.
The pressure comes as they warn that without committing to at least 2.5% of the nation’s GDP in the near future, the Prime Minister could fall short of his pledge to play a key role in maintaining peace in Ukraine.
Emergency Summit in Paris and Commitment to Peacekeeping
Starmer traveled to Paris for an emergency summit yesterday, where he emphasized his readiness to deploy British troops alongside US and European forces as part of a potential ceasefire deal.
However, experts believe that an international peacekeeping force of around 100,000 soldiers will be necessary, given the vast 700km border between Russia and Ukraine.
The UK’s army is currently at its smallest size since the Napoleonic era, making it difficult for Britain to contribute significantly to such a mission.
Defence Chiefs Warn of UK’s Limited Military Capacity
Lord Dannatt, former head of the Army, expressed concerns that the UK could only deploy a limited number of troops—around 10,000 at most—to the frontline at any given time.
While Starmer may be ready and willing, the UK’s military capacity is lacking.
Lord Dannatt highlighted that for a peacekeeping mission of this scale, Britain would need to contribute between 5,000 and 10,000 troops, with a total of 40,000 required to rotate them in 24-month cycles.
He stressed the urgency of boosting defence spending and acquiring essential military equipment to ensure readiness for such a mission.
Urgent Need for Increased Funding and Equipment
The former Army chief pointed out the need for a significant boost in defence spending to modernize the UK’s military arsenal.
Cuts to airlift planes, helicopters, and the delay in refurbishing critical infantry vehicles have left the country ill-prepared.
Lord Dannatt warned that without substantial funding, the UK might struggle to maintain its role on the global stage and protect its interests.
He emphasized that Starmer must act quickly, as the crisis in Ukraine could define his premiership.
Labour MPs Demand Faster Action and More Ambitious Plans
Two Labour MPs, Melanie Ward and Laura Kyrke-Smith, also added their voices to the growing pressure, suggesting that the UK should raise defence spending closer to 5% of GDP.
They criticized Starmer’s current target of 2.5%, arguing that it wasn’t ambitious enough in the face of escalating international tensions.
They emphasized that any delay in planning or gradual increases in spending could leave the UK vulnerable.
Potential Cuts in Other Government Departments
As part of the effort to raise defence spending, some government departments have been instructed to model spending cuts of up to 11% to free up funds for the military.
With discussions about the UK’s defence budget heating up, there are concerns over how such cuts could impact other essential services.
Call for Parliamentary Vote on Troop Deployment
Alongside the financial pressures, Labour MPs have demanded that Parliament be given a say before any UK troops are deployed to Ukraine.
Veterans like Graham Stringer and Diane Abbott have argued that any decision on sending troops should be approved by lawmakers first.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson did not rule out a parliamentary vote but noted that such a step is premature since a ceasefire deal has not yet been reached.
What’s Next for the UK’s Defence Strategy?
With defence spending and troop deployment high on the agenda, the UK is at a crossroads.
Starmer faces a difficult challenge in balancing the urgent need for military readiness with political realities at home.
As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are on how the Prime Minister responds in the coming days.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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