LABOUR is facing a backlash over plans to delay a promised defence spending boost – with warnings it could trigger a bust-up with Donald Trump.
Reform UK chief Nigel Farage insisted the move will put Britain on a “collision course” with the US President – who has called for NATO members to ramp up their military budgets.
Darren FletcherFormer Defence Secretary Ben Wallace[/caption]
SplashUS President Donald Trump wants European nations to ramp up military budgets or face losing American support[/caption]
AFPSir Keir Starmer has insisted the pledge would be met ‘as soon as the economic circumstances allow’[/caption]
Farage, a longstanding ally of the Republican firebrand, blasted: “On defence, on the Chagos proposal and the new proposed trade deal with the EU we are on a collision course with the Trump administration.”
His comments come after The Sun last night revealed Labour’s defence review, expected in the coming months, is likely to push its 2.5 per cent of GDP spending pledge back as far as 2032.
Boris Johnson had vowed to hit the target by 2028, with Rishi Sunak committing to do so by 2030.
Whilst Labour’s pledge did not have a specific date attached to it, there has been increasing alarm about the UK’s capacity to respond to global threats.
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace tore into the PM and his team, branding them “dangerous Labour” for failing to prioritise national security.
He said: “I fear John Healey and Keir Starmer are going to preside over Britain tumbling down the ladder of military of leadership in NATO.
“Just as the world gets even more dangerous Labour are poised to turn their backs on our troops.
“We will be back to Snatch Land Rovers before we know it.”
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge also hit out: “Last week the Defence Secretary was telling the country that we were facing ‘growing Russian aggression’, with spy ships threatening our undersea cables. The problem is Rachel Reeves wasn’t listening.
“Instead of backing the British armed forces with more cash, she’s delaying the money we urgently need to rearm, and hitting those who serve with higher taxes.
“These are deeply pernicious tax rises on schooling and Death in Service payments to loved ones. It’s high time Labour prioritised defence through actions rather than words.”
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
