Three senior defence figures, including former ministers John Healey and Al Carns, and Chief of Defence Staff Rich Knighton, have criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for underfunding the military. They argue the current defence investment plan is insufficient for future operations and alliances, urging for radical policy changes and increased spending.
Former armed forces minister Al Carns has described "unbelievable" waste and inefficiency at the Ministry of Defence, citing mismanaged legacy programmes like tank investment. He advocates for scrapping outdated projects in favour of new technology and overhauling procurement to ensure readiness by 2030.
The UK faces a "guns vs. butter" debate, balancing welfare and military spending amid rising global tensions and a perceived unreliable US. Critics highlight defense overspending and delays, while questioning the narrative of soaring welfare costs, particularly concerning pensions.
The UK faces a "guns vs. butter" debate, balancing welfare and military spending amid rising global tensions and a perceived unreliable US. Critics highlight defense overspending and delays, while questioning the narrative of escalating welfare costs.
UK Defence Minister John Healey's resignation, alongside armed forces minister Al Carns, signals leadership ambition and exposes the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal's political fragility. The move left Australian ministers waiting, highlighting AUKUS as a political stunt rather than a policy-driven initiative.
UK's parliamentary under-secretary of state for the armed forces, Al Carns, has called for the UK to prepare for the possibility of using highly automated weapons systems without human authorization, arguing that adversaries would not hesitate to deploy such technology.
Defence Secretary John Healey has criticised Labour figures, including Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, for infighting and jockeying for leadership, stating the party's credibility is at stake. He also discussed defence spending and criticised Reform and Green parties.
A little-known British defence minister, Al Carns, is being urged by MPs to consider a bid to replace Keir Starmer amidst a Labour leadership crisis. Supporters see Carns, a former special forces commander, as a fresh face with a compelling backstory to win back voters.
Keir Starmer will not block Andy Burnham from standing as MP for Makerfield, as Labour faces internal strife following local election losses, with multiple resignations and calls for Starmer's resignation.
Keir Starmer will not block Andy Burnham from standing as MP in Makerfield, Greater Manchester, as Labour faces internal turmoil and calls for leadership change following local election losses.
Wes Streeting resigns as Labour's Health Secretary, calling for a leadership contest with the 'best possible field of candidates', implying support for Andy Burnham. Streeting criticizes Keir Starmer's leadership, citing a lack of vision and direction, and expresses concern over Labour's unprecedented election losses and the rise of Reform UK.
Wes Streeting may announce his Labour leadership bid, while Angela Rayner, cleared of tax wrongdoing, hints at seeking change but won't challenge Keir Starmer directly, leaving her own candidacy or support for Andy Burnham uncertain.
PM is determined to fight on in No 10 but various contenders to replace him have been organising for some timeKeir Starmer has long been dogged by leadership rivals – despite only having won a huge majority two years ago. He insists there is no vacancy, and that he will fight on in No 10, seeking a second five-year term and a decade in the job. However, the various contenders to replace him have been organising for some time.Many others may consider throwing their hats into the ring if the contest opened up – from the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, to the foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, and the armed forces minister, Al Carns. But here are Starmer’s main threats: Continue reading...
