Whoever takes on the role of Defence Secretary now under Starmer is taking on a poisoned chalice. I can’t see it being any ex-military types. Treasury types possibly.
@AlistairCarns tells @cathynewman that the defence investment plan funding settlement “is not enough” (yet - despite collective responsibility - seems to be still in his job)
Starmer is a sitting duck.
Healey has made sure of that today.
Kudos for Healey doing the honourable thing.
The UK government and by defacto Starmer, are taking Defence for granted and Britain will NOT be safer in the years to come unless major investment is made.
The actions of Russian pilots towards an unarmed @RoyalAirForce aircraft are dangerous and unacceptable.
I pay tribute to the outstanding bravery of the RAF crew, who completed their mission safely.
This will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend our @NATO allies.
In a call with reporters just now, Adm. Brad Cooper of @CENTCOM says Iran has opened fire on U.S. warships and commercial vessels today, but declines to say whether the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is over.
U.S. forces returned fire and destroyed some Iranian small boats.