BOOST DEFENCE BUDGET OR AXE 20,000 TROOPS

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

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.