Starmer will go in ‘bin of history’ if he fails to raise defence budget, says ex-army chief

Dannatt called on the government to find ways of increasing the defence budget towards 3 or 3.5% of GDP. Photograph: Murdo Macleod/The Guardian

Keir Starmer will be consigned to the “bin of history” if he fails to raise defence spending, a former head of the British army has said.

Gen Lord Richard Dannatt believes the forthcoming strategic defence review risks being “hollow” and a “failure” unless the prime minister and his chancellor, Rachel Reeves, find ways of increasing the defence budget.