In light of mounting security concerns, former Army chief Lord Dannatt has warned Sir Keir Starmer that his leadership will be in jeopardy unless he significantly increases UK defence spending.
Lord Dannatt’s comments come as tensions rise over Russia’s actions and as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense.
The warnings point to an urgent need for increased funding to bolster the UK’s military capabilities.
If action isn’t taken, Starmer’s Premiership may risk being overshadowed by the growing threat posed by Russia.
The Call for a Stronger European Defense Force
As President Zelensky addressed the Munich Security Conference, he proposed the creation of a unified “army of Europe” to step in if the US were to reduce its military presence on the continent.
His remarks reflect growing fears that European nations could be left vulnerable if former President Donald Trump were to pull US troops out of Europe.
Zelensky emphasized the need for Europe to adjust to this possible future reality, urging them to step up their own defense efforts.
Meanwhile, military commanders in the UK privately suggest that the Royal Navy should consider “mothballing” both of its aircraft carriers.
They argue that the funds saved from this move could be better allocated toward strengthening land forces, with some experts warning that Europe may soon need to defend itself from attack.
Lord Dannatt’s Stark Warning to Sir Keir Starmer
Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, made a bold statement on the UK’s defense readiness, stating that the current state of the military was so “run-down” that it would struggle to contribute meaningfully to a European peacekeeping force.
He pointed out that the UK’s military, in terms of both personnel and equipment, was ill-prepared for such a role.
Lord Dannatt challenged Sir Keir Starmer to dramatically increase the UK’s defense budget, urging him to push defense spending up from 2.3% of GDP to at least 3.5%.
He warned that failing to do so would render the current Strategic Defence Review meaningless and could result in Starmer’s political legacy being “consigned to the dustbin of history.”
Pressure Mounts for Increased Defense Funding
Despite these calls, sources close to the review have dismissed rumors that the UK government will consider mothballing one of its aircraft carriers.
However, a serving major-general privately suggested that both carriers could be taken out of service, saving around £90 million per year.
The savings could then be directed towards preparing land forces for potential conflicts within the next 12 months.
General Sir Richard Shirreff, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, also weighed in on the defense spending debate, suggesting that the UK may need to return to Cold War-era levels of defense spending to maintain its position within NATO’s “deterrence band.”
He argued that unless this sacrifice is made, peace will be at risk.
Zelensky and the UK’s Defence Strategy
While Sir Keir Starmer continues to push for an increase in UK defense spending to 2.5%, President Zelensky’s calls for European nations to take on more responsibility have put additional pressure on the UK.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged that failing to meet the 2.5% goal could have costly repercussions in the future, pointing out that during the Cold War, the UK spent as much as 7% of GDP on defense.
However, some critics argue that 2.5% will not be enough.
Malcolm Richards, a former Royal Logistic Corps captain, warned that failing to raise the defense budget further would leave the UK vulnerable to future security threats.
He said that Starmer’s failure to act could lead to a legacy of national failure.
NATO Membership for Ukraine and European Defense
As the debate over defense funding rages on, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated that Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership should remain a priority, despite opposition from Russia.
He argued that a sovereign nation, such as Ukraine, should have the right to choose its own alliances without external interference.
French President Emmanuel Macron is also preparing to host an emergency summit of European leaders to discuss the security situation.
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to attend, further highlighting the urgency of the defense conversation across the continent.
UK Government’s Stance on Defence Spending
The Ministry of Defence has responded to the growing pressure by acknowledging the need for increased defense spending.
It pointed to the nearly £3 billion increase in the defense budget during the latest Budget and reiterated its commitment to reaching the 2.5% defense spending target in the spring.
The Ministry also emphasized that the ongoing Strategic Defence Review is actively assessing the emerging threats and the UK’s capability to respond effectively in the 21st century.