Andy Burnham will need to apply the “Moscow test” to his policies and govern “almost like a wartime prime minister” if he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer, former chief of the defense staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has warned.This intervention comes at a critical moment for British defense policy, as the government prepares to unveil its long-awaited defense investment plan ahead of next month’s NATO summit in Turkey.
The “Makerfield test” must match the “Moscow test”
Burnham, widely seen as the front-runner to replace Starmer, recently pledged that future government decisions must pass the “Makerfield test”, a reference to the constituency he won earlier this month, with the aim of ensuring that policies benefit communities outside London.But Sir Tony said domestic priorities alone would not be enough for Britain’s next leader.“Besides doing the Makerfield test, I would say it’s the Moscow test,” he told the BBC.“What do we look like to Moscow? Do we look like a strong member of NATO? Do we look like a strong nuclear power? Do we look like a strong ally of America? Because these are the elements that keep us secure.”
‘Almost wartime prime minister’
In a direct message to Burnham, the former military commander said the next UK Prime Minister would bear an extraordinary responsibility at a time of increasing global instability.
“It’s keeping our country safe, and recognizing that you have this extraordinary responsibility – so you’re almost like a wartime Prime Minister at the moment,” Sir Tony said.“That means you need to invest in what really keeps us safe.”In a separate warning published in the Sunday Times, Sir Tony reportedly reminded the would-be prime minister of the seriousness of Britain’s nuclear deterrence responsibilities, saying the country’s leader must never lose sight of the threats facing the nation.
Pressure on defense spending is growing
Sir Tony also urged the next government to deliver on its pledge to raise defense spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035, warning that Britain’s military capabilities remain “very weak”.He said additional funding was needed not only for new weapons systems but also for day-to-day military readiness, including maintenance, ammunition stocks and operational availability of ships, aircraft and armored vehicles.“It’s all very bare right now,” he said.The former defense secretary warned that failure to meet spending commitments could strain Britain’s position within NATO and damage relations with the United States.
The defense plan is at the heart of the political storm
These statements come amid ongoing controversy over the government’s plans to finance defense.Earlier this month, Defense Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Secretary Al Carnes resigned, saying proposed increases in funding fell short of what was needed to meet growing security challenges.Reports indicate that the MoD has sought tens of billions of pounds in additional funding over the remainder of the decade, a much larger sum than the amount offered by the Treasury.The revised defense investment plan is expected to be published ahead of the NATO summit on July 7, with ministers promising further investment in frontline capabilities, including advanced attack drones, new equipment and enhanced support for the UK’s armed forces.
The government insists that security remains a top priority
Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis sought to reassure allies and military leaders, saying Burnham understood the “nature and complexity” of the international security environment.“I know that national security will be the first priority for any Labor Prime Minister,” Jarvis said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening British military capabilities.
