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Keir Starmer Faces Backlash as His Own MPs Revolt in Explosive Defence Spending Row
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Labor leader Keir Starmer is under intense scrutiny from within his party and former Defense Secretaries following emerging rumors of a planned delay in reaching the UK’s 3% GDP target for defense spending. The controversy arises as the Government’s major defense spending review may propose postponing the ambitious target beyond the current deadline of 2030.
This potential delay has sparked concerns not only about national security but also about the UK’s relationship with the United States. With President Donald Trump urging NATO members to increase their defense budgets to 5% of GDP, the UK’s hesitation to meet these expectations could lead to significant diplomatic tensions just days into Trump’s presidency, according to the Express.
Currently, Keir Starmer has committed to a 2.5% GDP allocation for defense, though this commitment lacks a definitive timeline. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from Labour MPs who argue that the UK’s armed forces must be “adequately funded” to address evolving threats. Luke Akehurst, a key Labour ally, emphasized the urgency, stating, “There are many Labour MPs who understand the urgent priority to ensure our armed forces are re-equipped, larger, and adequately funded.”
Liverpool MP Dan Carden echoed these sentiments, adding that the UK must build “strong alliances” and “maintain and build our autonomy.” He pointed out that “To maintain a good relationship with the US, we will have to spend more on defense.”
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, chairman of the Defence Select Committee, underscored the financial prudence of preemptive defense spending. “It is significantly cheaper to preemptively spend money on larger armed forces in order to deter a war than have to fight one down the line,” he stated.
The internal Labour criticism aligns with comments from five former Defence Secretaries, who recently labeled the proposed spending delay as “reckless.” Sir Ben Wallace, a respected figure from the previous government, accused Labour of being “dangerous” and warned that he is set to “preside over Britain tumbling down the ladder of military leadership in NATO.”
Grant Shapps, responsible for securing the current 2.5% commitment, called any delay “downright reckless,” adding, “This decision is a green light to adversaries and a slap in the face to our armed forces.”
Penny Mordaunt stressed the importance of maintaining alignment with the US across various fronts, including defense. “The default setting of the Starmer government is to pivot away from the US. All things are possible if there’s the political will to do it,” she asserted.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also voiced concerns, warning that the delay decision could place Sir Keir on a “collision course” with President Trump. Farage highlighted the broader implications of reduced defence spending, suggesting it could undermine the UK’s standing on the global stage.
As the debate intensifies, the Government faces mounting pressure to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities. The outcome of the defence spending review will be crucial in determining the UK’s strategic posture and its ability to meet both domestic and international security challenges.
With national security at stake and international relations on the brink, Keir Starmer’s leadership and decisions regarding defence spending will continue to be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.