Starmer accused of ‘blatant cop out’ as Army commander says UK vulnerable to Russia attack_ Hieuuk
The Prime Minister has not put a timeframe on when defence spending will rise to 2.5 percent as a commander accuses Sir Keir of being “happy to gamble with national security at a time fraught with danger.”
Starmer could leave the UK vulnerable to Russia, the commander warned (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer has been called out by an Army commander, who has accused the Government of leaving the UK vulnerable to Russian aggression.
Stuart Crawford, a former Lieutenant Colonel and officer in the Royal Tank Regiment, is calling on the Prime Minister to fulfill his promise of increasing the UK’s defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP.
The Labour Party leader has refused to give a timeframe for when this promise will be fulfilled.
Writing for the UK Defence Journal, Mr Crawford said: “This was, and is, a blatant cop-out – the circumstances may never arrive.
“Now we learn that, faced with the reality of government finances, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is having to look at some hard and probably extremely unpopular choices. Spending cuts or tax rises? Or both?”
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The UK armed forces could endure more brutal cuts (Image: Getty)
Mr Crawford added that there is increasing concern for the UK’s military because of a £16.9 billion ‘black hole’ for Armed Forces spending over the next 10 years.
The Armed Forces have also been asked to make cuts as Chancellor Ms Reeves continues to find ways to raise more cash for the public purse.
But Mr Crawford warns this risks “atrophying” the Armed Forces at a time “when tensions are heightened around the globe.”
He concluded: “In doing so, they are either oblivious to the obvious risks or happy to gamble with national security at a time fraught with danger. History will be their judge, but let’s just hope we’re not caught with our pants down!”
After he took office in July, Sir Keir said insisted his vow to increase defence spending is “cast-iron.”
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Russia continues to wage war on Ukraine (Image: Getty)
He said: “The defence and security of the nation, of the country, is the first priority of government,”
A statement from Defence Secretary John Healey added: “Our government’s first duty is to keep the country safe.
“That’s why we will increase defence spending and launch a strategic defence review to ensure we have the capabilities needed to protect the UK now and in the future.
“The review will also set out defence reforms to secure faster procurement and better value for money.”
