A former Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff has warned Keir Starmer’s Labour government that the “freeloading days” are over, and defence commitments “must change.”
Addressing reports of when Labour would reach 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence spending, Sir Simon Mayall ripped into the government for a “lack of urgency” in achieving its own spending targets on defence.
Mayall went on to warn that the UK was “probably only spending 1.6 or 1.8 per cent on the army, navy and AirForce”, and that the dependence on the United States for defence must end.
The White House has put pressure on Britain and other EU countries in recent weeks to do more to shoulder the burden of European defence.
Sir Simon Mayall ripped into the government
PA
In a bid to calm tensions with President Trump, the Prime Minister is expected to finally set a date, likely 2030, for the UK to reach its goal of spending 2.5 per cent of GDP when he visits the White House on Thursday.
Speaking to GB News, the Lieutenant General fumed: “Defence spending is an investment, but Labour never sees it like that.”
Since his return to the White House President Trump has urged the UK and other NATO allies to increase their defence spending to five per cent of GDP.
The Potus wants the US to focus on dealing with the threat of China, with Europe taking more responsibility for its own security.
Mayall called for the UK to hit 2.5 per cent quicker. Colonel Phillip Ingram backed the call but did warn that the situation has changed dramatically since the last election and that “only a fool continues with a plan knowing everything has changed.”
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Keir Starmer is expected to finally set a date, likely 2030, for the UK to reach its goal of spending 2.5 per cent of GDP
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He added: “There should be an immediate increase to 2.5 per cent of GDP and the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) should deliver a path between three and five per cent of GDP.”
Former Chair of the Defence Select Committee, Robert Courts told GB News: “In my view nothing but a commitment to 2.5 per cent by the middle of this year - on a clear, definite pathway to three per cent by 2030 and thereafter 3.5 per cent - will meet the gravity of the moment and persuade both our friends and our adversaries alike that we have grasped what needs to be done.
“But whatever figure is arrived at, we must be vigilant for Treasury sleight of hand: moving in figures from other departmental budgets into MoD to artificially boost the overall total.”
The former Witney MP added: “For example, putting pensions into the figure some years ago has already inflated the figure.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves is on record saying that “difficult choices” would be required in government departments to achieve 2.5 per cent defence spending.
Donald Trump wants the US to focus on dealing with the threat of China, with Europe taking more responsibility for its own security
REUTERS
Also, there are concerns that the most recent budget could hamper the UK’s ability to boost its military capabilities.
Shadow Secretary of Defence, James Cartlidge MP said: “Rachel Reeves has already clobbered taxpayers from all angles.
“Indeed, Rachel Reeves’ huge increase in National Insurance is even hitting defence, with the sector responsible for manufacturing the shells and kit we need facing an additional tax bill exceeding half a billion pounds this Parliament.”
The MP for South Suffolk added: “I can confirm that the Conservatives will be prioritising savings from the aid budget and welfare to boost defence spending, whilst scrapping Labour’s multi-billion-pound Chagos plan.”
The Ministry of Defence did not respond when approached for comment by GB News.
