The former head of the British Army has issued a stark warning to the government, demanding an urgent increase in defence spending to counter the threat posed by Russia. Lord Richard Dannatt argued that substantial welfare budgets are meaningless if national security is compromised.
A Call for Leadership and a Change in Mindset
In candid remarks to the BBC, Lord Dannatt stated that the government must lead a fundamental shift in how the nation perceives the security challenges it faces. He emphasised that this change in mindset 'has to be changed through leadership' and that 'it comes from the top'. The former Chief of the General Staff, who led the army from 2006 to 2009, has previously warned that the world is now more dangerous than at any time since the Cold War.
Lord Dannatt urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his government to be far clearer with the public about the severity of the threat. 'If the government is really serious about getting the population of this country to understand we are facing serious security challenges... it has got to be much clearer that there is a problem out there,' he said. His central argument was blunt: 'It is one thing to have a great welfare budget but if we are under the domination of the Russians - forget it!'
New Gap Year Scheme Welcomed, But Called a Marginal Move
Lord Dannatt's comments came as he broadly welcomed a new Ministry of Defence (MOD) paid gap year scheme as a 'good idea'. The initiative, launching next year, will offer an initial 150 school leavers under 25 a paid year in the armed services, with plans to eventually expand to 1,000 participants. It was a recommendation of the government's strategic defence review in June, inspired by a similar Australian Defence Force programme.
The MOD says the scheme will teach participants leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to set them up 'for life', whether they pursue a military career or not. Lord Dannatt agreed, noting it provides valuable exposure to military discipline and skills that civilian employers highly value.
However, he suggested the initiative was merely 'fiddling around the margins' if intended as a serious solution to forces recruitment. His core criticism was that such measures are insufficient without a major reassessment of funding and the threat level.
The Need to Go 'Further and Faster' on Defence
The former army chief was sharply critical of the current pace of planned spending increases. The government has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by the end of the parliament. Lord Dannatt slammed this timeline as too slow, calling for the UK to go 'further and faster to meet the challenges we face'.
He argued that the threat from Russia to the UK and its NATO allies is 'considerable' and can only be addressed when the government and other European nations find the necessary resources. 'Britain’s military capabilities must be strengthened to deter aggression, safeguard our interests and maintain a credible global presence,' he stated.
The scheme also faced political criticism. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge labelled the initial intake of 150 as 'barely a pilot', accusing Labour of failing to match its 'whole-of-society' rhetoric. In contrast, Defence Secretary John Healey defended the programme, stating it would offer young people 'incredible skills and training'.
