Warning on defence 'shortfall'

KEIR Starmer “should order Rachel Reeves to wind her neck in,” as Treasury resistance threatens to stall billions in defence spending amid mounting Russian threats, a former Army officer has said.

- BY CIARAN MCGRATH

Senior defence figures have warned that Britain faces a £28billion shortfall in its armed forces budget.

But the Treasury is apparently unmoved, insisting no extra funds are available beyond the planned £73.5bn annual settlement by 2028-2029.

Talks have stalled, delaying the release of the Defence Investment Plan, which will outline how the UK will equip its military over the next decade.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton and other service chiefs have repeatedly flagged the growing threat from Russia.

They warn a rapid increase in defence expenditure is vital.

Tension