New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has been branded a “shifty weasel” who would do anything to advance his political career, following a tense interview on BBC Newsnight. The pointed description came from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams, former commanding officer of 22 SAS, who endorsed the criticism on social media.
Newsnight Clash Over Funding Gap
Presenter Victoria Derbyshire repeatedly pressed Mr Jarvis on reports of a £4.7 billion funding gap still to be filled in the Defence Investment Plan. Ms Derbyshire asked whether Andy Burnham, the newly elected Labour MP for Makerfield and the likely next Prime Minister, was aware he would need to address the shortfall in his first budget. The exchange drew comparisons to Jeremy Paxman’s famous 1997 interview with Michael Howard, where he asked the same question 12 times.
Defence Spending Controversy
The underlying controversy involves a £15 billion military spending increase announced over four years to lift the defence budget to 2.7% of GDP. However, a Treasury policy paper revealed that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has only identified funding for £10.3 billion of that sum. The remaining £4.7 billion shortfall has been deferred to the 2026 Budget, leaving Mr Burnham seemingly blindsided by an impending fiscal black hole.
To secure the initial £10.3 billion, Mr Jarvis negotiated a controversial deal that will force other government departments to sacrifice 1% of their capital budgets, impacting transport and energy infrastructure projects.
SAS Commander's Criticism
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams endorsed a post by former RAF serviceman Al, known online as “Rush,” who wrote: “On the plus side, Dan Jarvis is certain to stop the hideous deification of those former military officers who moved into politics. He presents as a shifty weasel who would do anything to progress his own career.” Lt Col Williams replied: “Well observed and well put,” while criticising the “pathetically late, underfunded and inadequate” Defence Investment Plan.
Political and Military Reactions
Mr Jarvis, a former Major in the Parachute Regiment who served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan, was appointed on 11 June after John Healey resigned over the funding settlement. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also quit. Mr Healey publicly warned that the plan leaves the UK vulnerable, noting that military chiefs originally requested a £28 billion boost to adequately counter escalating global threats.
The Defence Investment Plan, published after lengthy delays, promises additional investment in drones, AI and new technology. The government describes it as a significant uplift funded by reprioritising other budgets, with Sir Keir Starmer maintaining defence is a top priority. However, it has been criticised for not meeting the full requests of defence chiefs, forcing the immediate retirement of older military assets like Storm Shadow cruise missiles and several helicopter fleets to find efficiencies.
Lt Col Williams suggested the appointment of Mr Jarvis, with his military background, was intended to help obscure these shortcomings. A government source called the SAS veteran’s remarks unhelpful. Supporters of the Defence Secretary point to his operational record as an asset in the role. The comments have reverberated among veterans and defence commentators, highlighting tensions over military readiness and procurement at a time of heightened global risks. Mr Jarvis has emphasised his commitment to service personnel as he seeks to implement the plan. Express.co.uk has contacted Mr Jarvis for comment.
