Vladimir Putin has escalated nuclear rhetoric against NATO, prompting criticism that Andy Burnham's silence on defence is increasingly untenable. In a "non-paper" memo to the alliance, Moscow said it is ready to use its "entire arsenal", including nuclear weapons, if NATO threatens its Kaliningrad exclave.
The document reportedly accused NATO of being on a "dangerous and reckless course" and warned of "high risks" of direct armed conflict. NATO denied the claims in the strongest possible terms, condemning the threats as "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric".
Burnham's Brief Defence Remarks
The Kremlin's move came just a day after the Prime Minister remained silent on defence in his Labour Party conference speech. Andy Burnham spent around 40 seconds on the issue in a speech lasting more than an hour, focusing instead on greater public control and NHS-style social care, funded by scrapping the triple lock.
The PM's words on defence were the bare minimum, promising the country will be "more able to meet" its NATO obligations, show leadership on the international stage, and provide "steadfast" support for Ukraine. However, he did not lay out the roadmap to spending 3% and 3.5% of GDP on defence, as previously indicated.
Eastern Flank Tensions Rise
Tensions are rising along NATO's eastern flank. Estonian authorities said an arson attack on a defence company providing military vehicles to Ukraine was an act of sabotage commissioned by Russian security services. Germany blamed Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, with repeated warnings of rising Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks. Moscow denied involvement in both incidents.
Lithuania and Poland are working on evacuation plans together in the event of a Russian assault, with preparations carried out earlier this week as part of major drills in Lithuania.
HMS Agamemnon Heads to Sea
Britain's newest attack submarine, HMS Agamemnon, has departed its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, for sea trials. The sixth boat in the Astute-class, known as 'Awesome Aggie', will be tested ahead of joining active service with the Royal Navy. The Astute-class has suffered from availability issues, with periods when none of the five in-service boats have been at sea. The submarines are nuclear powered but conventionally armed, capable of firing Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk land attack missiles.
