Facebook Pixel BOOST DEFENCE BUDGET OR AXE 20,000 TROOPS | Daily Express - newspaper - Lisez cet article sur Magzter.com

Essayer OR - Gratuit

BOOST DEFENCE BUDGET OR AXE 20,000 TROOPS

Daily Express

|

December 17, 2024

KEIR Starmer has been told he must slash 20,000 troops or scrap aircraft carriers if he does not boost spending on defence.

- Michael Knowles

BOOST DEFENCE BUDGET OR AXE 20,000 TROOPS

Lord Robertson, who is leading the Strategic Defence Review, warned the PM in person, sources said. Sir Keir is under intense pressure to ramp up defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as swiftly as possible amid warnings that "Britain cannot afford to gamble with our own security".

Military chiefs are said to be alarmed by the initial findings of former Nato Nato secretary-general Lord Robertson, with a number of them reportedly clearing their diaries as they try to resolve the crisis.

Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told the Daily Express: "Labour's dithering on defence is a dereliction of duty that puts Britain's security at grave risk.

"This Government's so-called Strategic Defence Review has always looked like a smokescreen for delaying the vital commitment to proper defence spending.

"By abandoning my plan to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, Starmer has created a stark and dangerous choice: slash 20,000 troops or scrap both our aircraft carriers. Labour's failure to act leaves the UK exposed to growing threats and undermines our sovereignty. Even Lord Robertson has had to warn Starmer about the catastrophic consequences of inaction.

"Britain cannot afford to gamble with our own security. When we fail to defend our sovereignty, we invite our enemies to exploit our weakness. The British public deserves strength and a clear commitment to defend the country, not excuses and delay."

Numerous sources told the Express that Lord Robertson met the Prime Minister after Defence Secretary John Healey rejected his initial findings.

No official recommendations have been made but among dire predictions are warnings that failing to bolster defence spending rapidly will lead to the armed forces facing more devastating cuts.

PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE Daily Express

Daily Express

Daily Express

British cargo ships now 'legitimate targets' says Iran as it warns of oil price hikes

IRAN’S military leaders have said British cargo ships in the Gulf are now “legitimate targets” as it aims to choke off all supply from the Gulf.

time to read

3 mins

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Daily Express

Iran ‘will not play in World Cup USA’

IRAN will not take part in this summer’s World Cup in North America under any circumstances, the country’s sports minister has said.

time to read

2 mins

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Daily Express

‘I had to book the day off from Hogwarts...’

HARRY POTTER STAR WARWICK’S OBE

time to read

2 mins

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Kemi: PM must keep freeze on fuel duty

KEMI Badenoch demanded Keir Starmer act to help struggling motorists fill their tanks amid recent shock rises in petrol prices.

time to read

1 min

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Daily Express

PM WAS WARNED ON 'REPUTATION RISK' OF HIRING MANDELSON

Starmer under pressure as files reveal disgraced lord was 'weirdly rushed' into US post

time to read

4 mins

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Another European night, another London club ...and another howler from a No.2 goalkeeper

CHELSEA goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen did his best Antonin Kinsky impression as his howler cost the Blues against Champions League holders Paris St-Germain.

time to read

2 mins

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Barca left Toon stars Hall silent

LEWIS HALL admitted Newcastle's dressing room was left speechless in the immediate aftermath of the draw against Barcelona.

time to read

1 mins

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

FREE MOTHER'S DAY CARD AT TGJones

Books - News - Stationery - Cards - Toys

time to read

1 min

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Carrig to gain upper hand again over Fever

By The Scout (Melissa Jones)

time to read

2 mins

March 12, 2026

Daily Express

Packham wild at art

HERE'S a Really Wild Show, as Chris Packham shares his stunning nature photography.

time to read

1 min

March 12, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size