Keir unconvincing as defender of the realm

THE war in Ukraine has not only destroyed the myth of Russian military prowess but has also exposed the irresponsible complacency of Europe’s ruling elite.

- Leo McKinstry

For decades, our politicians have relied on America to protect us while they lavish money on benefits and bureaucracy. But this culture of self-indulgence has now been blown apart both by President Trump’s America First policy and the epic fighting spirit of President Zelensky’s forces.

As a result attitudes are changing in the EU’s capitals. Finally, as the US asks NATO allies for 5% of national output there are promises of increased military budgets, with several governments now planning to increase their defence expenditure to 3%.

In rhetorical terms at least, the Labour Government has been at the forefront of this drive for greater resolve and realism.

As well as pledging to reach 3%, Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet launched this week its long-awaited Strategic Defence Review, which set out a bold vision of a flexible, expanded British military, complete with an array of lethal, robotic technologies and a revived, enlarged force of reservists.