PM Starmer faces political survival after defence ministers resign
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting for his political survival after his defence secretary and defence minister quit over inadequate military spending.
The British prime minister is once again fighting for his political survival, on the back foot after his defence secretary and defence minister quit the government over complaints of a lack of military spending and sufficient commitment to keep Britain safe from the spectre of Russian attack. They left excoriating letters of resignation.
John Healey, a party loyalist who served under five Labour leaders, wrote that the UK defence plan fell well short of what is required for the defence of the realm at this quote dangerous time, that the prime minister was unable to commit the resources needed, and the Treasury was unwilling to. This after first seeing the detail delayed defence plan he said on Monday. It is yet to be made public.
And the departing defence minister Al Cairns said: "Britain is still purchasing capability suitable for the last war, while our adversaries arm for the next one. Platforms that cost billions can be defeated by systems that cost thousands."
Keir Starmer is suffering the political equivalent of "rope-a-dope", first a revolt over welfare reform, then the consequences of appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, and a leadership contest expected to start in days. He has defended his decision on defence spending, saying he's had to make "hard-edged decisions".
