Burnham told defence plan must pass ‘Moscow test’ to deter Russia
8 reported1 unconfirmed
Former UK armed forces head Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has told likely next prime minister Andy Burnham that the government's defence investment plan must meet a "Moscow test" to keep Russian threats at bay, warning the UK currently "falls short" of that commitment. Radakin said if the defence investment plan (Dip), expected this week, is "not enough," Burnham would have to find more funding before the general election. The comments come as Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has reportedly secured about £1bn more than his predecessor John Healey after intense haggling between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury. Healey quit earlier this month after failing to secure more than £13.5bn to plug an £18bn gap in the 10-year capital programme. Burnham's allies said concerns he would reopen any spending deal were "wide of the mark," but he reserved the right to do so if needed. Radakin told the BBC the UK must look like a strong Nato member, nuclear power, and ally of America to keep safe, and that the UK is currently second from the bottom in a Nato capability league table.
What’s reported
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, former chief of the defence staff, told Andy Burnham the defence plan must meet a "Moscow test" to deter Russia.
Radakin said the UK currently "falls short" on commitments to Nato and the US.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has reportedly secured about £1bn more than predecessor John Healey after haggling between MoD and Treasury.
Healey quit earlier this month after failing to secure more than £13.5bn to plug an £18bn gap in the 10-year capital programme.
Burnham's allies said concerns he would reopen any spending deal were "wide of the mark," but he reserved the right to do so.
Radakin said the UK is second from the bottom in a Nato league table ranking member states on meeting capability requirements.
Nato has a long-term target for allies to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
20% of total defence funding went on the UK's nuclear deterrent in 2025-26, rising to 25% in coming years.
Open questions
It is not clear whether Jarvis has obtained any more money for the total defence budget beyond the reported £14bn for the Dip.
Key figures
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, former chief of the defence staff
Andy Burnham, likely next prime minister
Dan Jarvis, defence secretary
John Healey, former defence secretary
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Mark Rutte, Nato secretary general
Sources: The Guardian
