The warning bell has sounded for UK's defence capabilities as Sir Tony Radakin, former Chief of Defence Staff, urges the next Prime Minister to pass a "Moscow test" – a critical evaluation of their policy plans to ensure the nation maintains its international presence. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Sir Tony delivered an unequivocal message: robust defence capabilities are essential in today's escalating global threats, and the current state of military resources is "too bare". His intervention comes as the Government prepares to unveil its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP) before the NATO summit in Turkey on 7th July.
Sir Tony's call for a "Moscow test" – which would scrutinise policy commitments to meet defence spending targets – was directed at both current and future leaders, including Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham. He stressed that whoever takes office must honour the commitment to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. In a direct message to Mr Burnham, Sir Tony said, "It is keep our country safe, acknowledge that you have this extraordinary responsibility – so you’re almost like a wartime prime minister at the moment."
The debate around defence funding has been marked by high-profile resignations, with Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns stepping down earlier this month. The reports suggest the Ministry of Defence had requested an additional £28 billion by the end of the decade but was only offered £10 billion, prompting cuts in other government departments to fund the increase.
Sir Tony's warnings about underinvestment have been echoed by recent revelations on the operational impact. He highlighted that "stores," “maintenance,” and the availability of ships, aircraft, tanks, and armoured fighting vehicles are all "too bare". The failure to meet defence spending commitments could lead to significant strain on relationships with NATO allies, particularly the United States.
Amidst the ongoing funding negotiations, the Ministry of Defence announced that £500 million would be allocated to equip the UK's elite Commando Force with new boats as part of the DIP. Dan Jarvis, the new Defence Secretary, stated that the plan had been "refreshed" since Mr Healey’s departure and would prioritise delivering "new lethal strike drones" and other advanced equipment to front-line forces.
Mr Jarvis expressed confidence in the consistency of national security policies despite transition in leadership, asserting that Mr Burnham "understands the nature and complexity of the world we’re operating in, and national security will be, I know, the first priority of any Labour prime minister."