(London) – Keir Starmer’s latest defence strategy has sparked serious criticism at home, with key national security figures warning that the Kremlin will be watching Britain’s hesitation with glee.
On Monday, the Prime Minister outlined the long-delayed Strategic Defence Review during a speech at BAE Systems’ Govan facility in Glasgow. The review includes ambitious proposals: up to 12 new nuclear submarines, six new munitions factories and thousands of long-range weapons.
To fulfil these objectives, defence spending must rise to 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). This figure currently stands at around 2.2 percent. The proposed increase would require tens of billions more annually, potentially pushing costs into the range of £67 billion (approx 79 billion EUR) per year.
However, Starmer declined to commit to this increase during the next parliament. Instead, he called it an “ambition” rather than a firm promise. This has stirred alarm among both security experts and former senior military officials.
Broadcaster Andrew Neil remarked that the Russian dictator will be “smiling” at Britain’s apparent lack of urgency, especially in the face of a wider European security threat. Speaking on Times Radio, Neil criticised the absence of a concrete financial plan, warning that unless Britain is placed on a full war footing, new submarines may not enter service until the mid 2030s. “By that time, we could all be speaking Russian,” he cautioned.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, former head of the British Army, also raised concerns. Speaking to the same station, he questioned why Britain appears slow to recognise that this is not just Ukraine’s war, but Europe’s as a whole. He urged immediate action, saying that effective deterrence against the Kremlin is far more cost-effective than war.
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace echoed these fears. He told LBC radio that the Russian dictator will now believe the West is unserious about defence, pointing to the UK’s reluctance to commit hard funding and troop numbers. He warned that the lack of military recruitment and spending sends a dangerous message to Moscow.
Adding to the pressure, Keir Giles of Chatham House noted that without the 3 percent GDP commitment, the review risks becoming an expensive paperwork exercise. He warned that actual implementation will require a fundamental shift in government priorities.
Meanwhile, NATO is reportedly urging the UK to go even further, calling for a defence spend of 3.5 percent of GDP.
