"In an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the signatories called for an urgent doubling of defence spending to five per cent of GDP. The warning comes amid rising tensions with Russia and concerns that the United Kingdom's military readiness has been eroded by years of underinvestment. The letter, drafted by the Defence on the Brink podcast team, cites historical parallels with Europe on the eve of World War II, suggesting Britain risks repeating the mistakes of the past if it does not act decisively."
"Among those backing the letter are former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace, ex-National Security Advisor Lord Darroch, and Professor Anthony King, a leading defence expert. Other signatories include former chair of the Commons Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood, ex-Army chief Lord Dannatt, and ex-MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove. The letter criticises current spending plans, noting that the Ministry of Defence's proposal to raise funding to three per cent of GDP by 2029 - five years earlier than planned - is insufficient."
"While Sir Keir has pledged to meet NATO's five per cent target by 2035, only 3.5 per cent of GDP would be allocated to direct defence spending, with 1.5 per cent earmarked for security infrastructure projects such as repairing roads. "The UK is unprepared for military conflict with Russia," the letter states. "A bold, credible, and measurable path must be announced to boost defence spending and restore frontline readiness. Public concern about defence is now on a par with the NHS and the cost of living.""
Retired military leaders, former ministers, and security experts warn Britain's armed forces are not ready for war and call for an urgent doubling of defence spending to five per cent of GDP. Rising tensions with Russia and years of underinvestment are cited as reasons for eroded military readiness. The situation is characterised as a '1936 moment,' invoking historical parallels with Europe on the eve of World War II to stress urgent action. Senior signatories include Sir Ben Wallace, Lord Darroch, Professor Anthony King, Tobias Ellwood, Lord Dannatt, and Sir Richard Dearlove. Critics judge the MoD plan to reach three per cent by 2029 insufficient, noting only 3.5 per cent would fund direct defence while 1.5 per cent would be earmarked for infrastructure.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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