[By Guancha Observer Network, Liu Chenghui]

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently released the "Strategic Defense Review" (SDR) in a high-profile manner, stating that the UK is entering a "state of readiness," and proposed over 60 measures to enhance defense capabilities, including expanding submarine forces and improving combat decision-making speed.

However, this ambitious blueprint may turn into a "damp squib" in the eyes of US media.

"The UK is preparing for war - but don't ask about the money," Politico News reported on June 2, pointing out that although this plan sounds ambitious, the British government seems hesitant about increasing defense spending. The issue of financial strain combined with low procurement efficiency in the UK's military industry raises doubts about whether this grand defense strategy can be realized.

The report noted that the key recommendations in the SDR outline major threats facing the UK and how to respond, proposing over 60 new measures aimed at strengthening combat capabilities and protecting allies.

The report suggests expanding the UK's submarine projects, building up to 12 nuclear submarines, which is expected to create 30,000 jobs; investing £1.5 billion in technologies to enhance battlefield decision-making speed; and developing a "hybrid" Royal Navy by integrating drones with ships, submarines, and aircraft.

The report also states that the UK should focus on addressing threats shared with European allies, adopting a "NATO-first" strategy.

On June 2, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (center) shakes hands with staff after delivering a speech during a visit to the BAE Systems factory. Visual China.

Politico noticed that Starmer made every effort to emphasize during his announcement that strengthening defense for the UK and its European neighbors would create new domestic job opportunities and promote economic growth.

A Downing Street official who wished to remain anonymous said, "This is the foundation of the Prime Minister's thinking on all defense issues."

However, the issue of defense spending faced by Starmer somewhat undermines the weight of these commitments.

The report noted that when reading the SDR plan, Starmer avoided mentioning when the new indicator of 3% of GDP for defense spending could be achieved. Although he vowed to increase the defense budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, reaching the 3% target remains "subject to economic and fiscal conditions."

This ambiguity has caused widespread concern among British MPs and defense experts, who believe the UK lacks practical plans to address the "most serious challenge—Russian threat."

Politicians and defense experts agree that the current funding plan is insufficient to fulfill the promises of the SDR. A spokesperson for Starmer also admitted that the goal of 3% defense spending might not be achieved until the next parliament, around 2034.

James Cartlidge, shadow defense secretary of the Labour Party, said that due to insufficient funds, "all Labour's defense commitments will be discounted unless they prove there is actual funding support." Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrats' defense spokesperson, also warned that Starmer's SDR report "may become a damp squib."

Marion Messmer, senior researcher at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, pointed out that the UK's significant delay in defense spending targets is "surprising."

In response to various doubts, UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace stated in Parliament that it shows how Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt repaired the economic situation left behind after 14 years of Conservative Party rule. "I have no doubt that we will achieve the 3% defense spending target in the next parliament."

UK officials admitted they cannot provide a clear timeline for longer-term high spending goals, as Hunt's expenditure review only covers the next five years.

Nevertheless, these officials still firmly believe that Starmer can "fully implement" the grand goals of the SDR report.

Analysts pointed out that Starmer faces more than just funding challenges. Messmer stated that whether the UK government overcomes inefficiencies and accelerates the procurement of equipment such as drones will well demonstrate how seriously they take the "Russian threat," which is the core content of the SDR report.

Politico noted that as the NATO Canadian Summit approaches at the end of June, these questions will become sharper. The UK and its allies will face pressure to commit to raising military spending to 3.5% or even 5% of GDP.

Notably, the UK is under mounting pressure from debt this year. Official data showed that the UK government borrowed £20.2 billion in April, the fourth highest April borrowing figure on record, an increase of £1 billion compared to the same month last year, far exceeding analysts' forecast of £17 billion, pushing up the possibility of tax increases.

"Tax revenue has increased compared to April last year, partly due to higher national insurance contributions," Rob Doody, deputy director of the Office for National Statistics public sector finance, said. "However, this increase was offset by higher expenditures, mainly due to rising costs for public services and increased welfare and state pension spending."

This article is an exclusive contribution from Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7511626959202304546/

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