Former UK army chief urges next PM to strengthen defence

Former UK Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Tony Radakin has called on the potential next Prime Minister Andy Burnham to strengthen the country's defence capabilities, citing threats from Russia. In an article in The Times, Radakin emphasises that "war in Europe, hybrid attacks at home, the Middle East crisis and the risk of conflict mean the Prime Minister is in a quasi-wartime role" and therefore must not weaken defence.

Radakin adds that "peace dividends are over" and that funds redirected by previous governments from military to domestic policy after the Cold War must be returned to the armed forces. He also notes that Britain will never fight a war alone as a NATO member, but it lags behind other allies in defence spending.

"When we say we will be leaders in NATO, when we promise to support Ukraine, when we promise defence cooperation with our friends in the Gulf states and their huge sovereign wealth funds – are we credible in the eyes of both our allies and our adversaries?" he asks. He explains that with US support within NATO, Britain will need to increase defence spending to at least 5% of GDP to maintain current defence levels. Among the problems Radakin highlights is how recent political events have consumed defence budgets.

He urges Andy Burnham to be prudent in allocating funds for strengthening defence. It was previously reported that the UK government plans to release a long-awaited defence spending plan, which has led to controversy and resignations despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer's planned resignation. The planned funding level has been criticised by both officials and military leaders. UK Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton sent a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing concerns that the government's proposed defence spending level is insufficient. The funding shortfall for rebuilding the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force is estimated at at least £28 billion (€32 billion).