Sir Keir “is not a strong leader as his frequent flip-flops on multiple policies have demonstrated”, said Stuart Crawford.
Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Commons. (Image: House of Commons/AFP via Getty)
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 British Army officer has said. Senior defence figures have warned that Britain faces a £28bn 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 intends to 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, warning that a rapid increase in defence expenditure is vital to meet NATO commitments and ensure national security.
The Government’s most important role is to defend the realm, said Stuart Crawford. (Image: Getty)
Sir Richard has emphasised that Russia’s military posture has “shifted decisively westward” and that “hard choices” on spending are necessary. The political deadlock has provoked sharp criticism from Lt Col Stuart Crawford.
Scotsman Mr Crawford told Express.co.uk: “My initial reaction is ‘who is running the country, the PM or civil servants in the Treasury?’ A strong leader would tell them to wind their necks in and get on with it.
“But Sir Keir is not a strong leader, as his frequent flip-flops on multiple policies have demonstrated. His jacket is on a shoogly peg, as we say up here, and he faces the constant threat of a leadership challenge from rebellious Labour MPs. Politically, he is effectively emasculated.”
Mr Crawford highlighted the tension between Labour’s ideological focus on welfare and the practical responsibilities of Government.
Air Chief Marshal and Chief of Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton. (Image: Getty)
He added: “Sir Keir and Labour have long seen themselves as the party of welfare, not the party of warfare. But that ideology is not compatible with being PM, where difficult decisions have to be taken which may go against one’s personal political views.
“If you agree that the first responsibility of government is the defence and security of the state, its citizens, and the national interests, then it’s clear that defence funding should take priority, not just now but at all times.”
Mr Crawford also pinpointed potential solutions, noting the disproportionate size of welfare spending relative to defence.
He noted: “Where will the money come from to increase the defence budget? That’s not Sir Keir’s problem – he should just tell them to get on with it. In passing, I note that the welfare budget is between five and six times the defence budget and is the prime candidate for cuts to transfer funds to defence.
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“Either that or taxes will have to go up but a Labour government would rather stick knitting needles in its own eyes than do that.”
The row comes amid broader NATO discussions about European rearmament, including proposals for a “defence, security and resilience bank” to fund military procurement.
While Canada’s Mark Carney has advocated for the scheme, the UK has previously ruled out participation, though sources indicate it is now under renewed consideration.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth of the RAF lamented the “sluggish” pace of budget discussions. Sir Harv told The Telegraph: “The responsibility is squarely at the political level, insisting that chiefs are doing all they can to present viable options to ministers.”
Defence officials stress that delays hinder Britain’s ability to respond to global threats, including potential conflict with Russia, and compromise the country’s long-term security posture. Mr Crawford concluded that Sir Keir must take direct action or face political consequences.
Mr Crawford warned: “Sir Keir needs to tell Ms Reeves what he requires, and if she can’t manage it he’ll find someone else to do it. That, of course, risks a full-scale Labour MP rebellion.”
Despite repeated warnings from military leaders, the Treasury and Ms Reeves maintain a strict stance, citing concerns about wasteful spending and the fiscal implications of increased defence outlays.
The tensions appear to underscore a growing divide between the political leadership and the country’s armed forces, with the risk that Britain may find itself underfunded at a moment when NATO and senior military officials are calling for rapid rearmament to counter evolving Russian threats.
