Ex-Chief of Defence Staff Calls for Moscow Test for Burnham
Andy Burnham will need to pass a "Moscow test" for his policies if he becomes prime minister, according to former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
Burnham, the frontrunner to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, has previously stated that new legislation must satisfy a "Makerfield test", referring to the constituency he was elected to this month.
In an interview on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Sir Tony emphasized that the UK's next leader must act "almost like a wartime prime minister" given the current global threats.
His remarks coincided with the government's preparations to publish its long-anticipated defence spending plan.
Sir Tony stressed that whoever assumes the role of prime minister must uphold the commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, describing the current military capabilities as "too bare".
Negotiations within Whitehall have continued this week regarding the funding of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), with the government committed to releasing the plan before the NATO summit in Turkey on 7 July.
Earlier this month, Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns—who has not ruled out challenging Burnham for Labour leadership and the premiership—resigned from the government, citing insufficient investment in the plan.
Sir Tony Radakin's Perspective on Defence and Leadership
Speaking to the BBC, Sir Tony said:
"As well as having the Makerfield test, I would say it's the Moscow test. What do we look like to Moscow? Do we look like a strong member of the NATO alliance? Do we look like a strong nuclear power? Do we look like a strong ally of America? Because those are the elements that keep us safe."
When asked what message he would give to Burnham if he became prime minister, Sir Tony replied:
"It is keep our country safe, acknowledge that you have this extraordinary responsibility - so you're almost like a wartime prime minister at the moment. And that means you need to invest in what really keeps us safe."
He warned that the UK's current level of defence spending risks falling short of commitments, which could cause significant issues with NATO allies, particularly the United States.
Regarding military capabilities, Sir Tony added:
"We've been very clear in saying that we need to strengthen our armed forces. It means additional money for day to day operations. That is stores. That is maintenance. That's how you get those ships out. That's how your aircraft are available for operations. That's how your tanks and armoured fighting vehicles are available. All of that at the moment is too bare."
Defence Spending and Political Developments
Under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, defence spending has increased, with the government pledging, alongside most NATO allies, to raise spending to an eventual target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
However, in his resignation statement, John Healey stated that the planned increase outlined in the draft DIP was insufficient and claimed it would lead to operational cutbacks.
Reports indicate that the Ministry of Defence has requested an additional £28 billion between now and the end of the decade but has only been offered £10 billion more.
All government departments have been asked to reduce budgets to accommodate this increase.
Healey's successor, Dan Jarvis, told BBC South that Burnham "understands the nature and complexity of the world we're operating in, and national security will be, I know, the first priority of any Labour prime minister."
"I am very confident though there will be a transition in prime minister, the basic policies will remain the same, which is ensuring everything we possibly can to keep the country safe..."
Jarvis also reiterated the government's commitment to publishing the DIP before the NATO summit in July.
Watch Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg at 09:00 BST on Sunday on BBC One and .
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