Trio of senior defence figures accuse Starmer of underfunding military
Summary
Three senior British defence figures have criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not providing enough money to the military, saying this limits what the armed forces can do. The concerns came during discussions about the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which plans to add £13.5 billion over four years to military spending but is seen by some as insufficient.Key Facts
- John Healey, former defence secretary, and Al Carns, former defence minister, resigned recently over their disagreement with Starmer’s defence funding plans.
- Both warned that current plans do not raise defence spending quickly or enough to meet future needs, like reaching 3.5% of GDP by 2030.
- Rich Knighton, the current chief of defence staff, said without more funding, the UK will have to reduce military operations in places like Europe, Ukraine, and the Middle East.
- Healey called for bigger and faster changes in defence policy, not small or gradual ones.
- Some Labour MPs worry Starmer is unwilling to make bold policy changes or challenge his finance minister on spending.
- Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, is running in a byelection promising to challenge Starmer’s leadership.
- Starmer said he plans to stay in his role and fight if there is a leadership contest and highlighted recent increases in defence spending.
- The Defence Investment Plan aims to improve military capability with added future funding beyond current budget rises.
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