The Prime Minister has said on Sunday the UK “will take a leading responsibility” to protect Europe and that the US “is right” that Britain needs to spend more on defence as war with Russia could land on our shores within five years.
Speaking at a conference in Glasgow Sir Keir Starmer said that we can no longer “cling to the comforts of the past” as the threat of war is real.
Starmer said, “Instability in Europe always washes up on our shores.
“And this is a generational moment. I’ve been saying for some time that we Europeans – including the United Kingdom – have to do more for our defence and security. The US is right about that.”
He added “we can’t cling to the comforts of the past” as now is the “time to take responsibility for our security.”
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Starmer has said the UK will set out a path for the UK to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, but has not said when this will happen.
Starmer will be in Washington on Thursday and it is expected the Prime Minister will make the announcement whilst in the US.
Starmer said that the UK will “play our role” for Ukraine and after a peace deal is made then Britain will send troops to form part of a peacekeeping force.
Starmer said, “As we enter a new phase in this conflict, we must now deepen our solidarity even further.”
He added: “There can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine.
“And the people of Ukraine must have long-term security.”
Senior army officers has said the British troops are “ready” to head to Ukraine as peacekeepers and he is confident we are ready “if and when required.”
Brig Andy Watson, commander of NATO’s new Allied Reaction Force (ARF) land brigade, told the Express some 20 miles from the Ukrainian border in Smardan, eastern Romania, “Our job here is to provide options to ministers.
“I can’t comment on what the force package would look like inside Ukraine, if there is to be one, but in terms of this brigade’s readiness to conduct the whole range of military operations, absolutely.
“We’ve trained very well, we’re well-resourced and clearly, in this construct, we’re part of a well-resourced coalition.”
Lt Col Harry Waller, Commanding Officer 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, said, “The reaction force here are absolutely ready and we’ll always present our commanders with options. We’re able to project at pace and we [and the other nations] are ready.”
Lt Col Gordon Muir, Commanding Officer of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland said, “I’m absolutely certain that UK defence is in a position to lead whatever force would be required.”
