Labour will be 'pilloried' if they refuse to match Rishi Sunak's pledge to boost defence spending, a former Army chief warned yesterday.
Lord Dannatt said Sir Keir Starmer had 'no option' but to follow the Prime Minister's pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade.
The former Chief of the General Staff also warned that failure to increase investment in defence would risk the United States walking away from Nato.
The White House yesterday welcomed Mr Sunak's decision to boost defence spending by £75billion by 2030, describing Britain as a 'stalwart ally'.
The Labour leader agreed that more money was needed for defence, but said he would only set out a plan for boosting it if his party wins the next election.
Lord Dannatt said Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) had 'no option' but to follow the Prime Minister's pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade
The former Chief of the General Staff Lord Dannatt (pictured) also warned that failure to increase investment in defence would risk the United States walking away from Nato
The Union Flag is displayed as British troops mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War in 2014
In an interview with the BBC, Sir Keir claimed that the Government's plan to fund much of the extra spending by cutting 72,000 civil service jobs 'doesn't stack up'.
Lord Dannatt urged Labour to back the Government's plan now to provide certainty for the sector and ensure the country is kept safe.
The Crossbench peer told GB News: 'We're telling our adversaries, particularly the Russians, don't kick us around, we're serious about this.
'But we're also saying to our allies, Britain's showing leadership here.'
Kaia Gerber flashes her bra in a sheer black mesh top with maxi coat as she heads out in New York
Masters stars' adorable children take over the course on the eve of the tournament
Dua Lipa flaunts her incredible figure in a thong bodysuit as she shares behind
Bayern Munich kick a ball around a £3,500
Vietnam celebrates 70 years since Dien Bien Phu battle that ended French colonial rule
Public servants on edge over nerve
Prince William celebrates Aston Villa's opening goal against Lille with Prince George at Villa Park
How DO you deal with a problem like Gary Lineker?
China's trade with other BRICS members up 11.3 pct in Q1
Atletico Madrid star reveals the footballers'
Yadav unbeaten ton helps Mumbai end losing streak in IPL
'The wheels have come off!': Steve McManaman delivers scathing assessment of Liverpool's dismal 3