Comment
THE SUN SAYS
Keir Starmer must stump up hard cash to rebuild our defences – it’s the only language Putin understands
Britain is one of the minority of members who meet Nato’s two per cent spending target
Fix our forces
IT was disappointing during the election campaign to hear Keir Starmer refuse to commit to spending 2.5 per cent of our GDP on defence.
Many will have worried he did not fully grasp the potential threat to Britain in a newly volatile world.
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So the defence review he is set to launch is welcome.
Except it will merely set out a “roadmap” to achieving that figure, with no firm deadline set.
That’s unlikely to calm the fears of the Top Brass warning him of the urgency of extra spending.
And with our forces so depleted, 2.5 per cent is surely the minimum we need.
We do welcome, though, the new PM’s unshakeable commitment to Ukraine’s defence and to Nato.
Britain is one of the minority of members who meet Nato’s two per cent spending target.
When will the rest step up?
If Trump becomes President again he may insist on it to guarantee the US remains involved. And fair enough.
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Sir Keir, meanwhile, is right to say he has “no more important duty than keeping the people of our country safe”.
He needs to commit to it using the only language Putin understands . . . stumping up hard cash to rebuild our defences.
New Tories
WHAT now for the Tories? How do they put themselves back together?
It is vital they do so.
Britain must have a strong, professional opposition as an alternative Government in waiting.
Keir Starmer delivers his first speech as PM
Last week we said they brought defeat on themselves via scandal, chaos and incessant civil war — and must regroup with a new focus and united purpose.
So it is crucial they take their time deciding on a new programme and leader.
They might even need a stop-gap until the right one emerges.
It is ridiculous, though, for veteran Tory centrists to pretend that “shifting to the right” cost them power.
A more right-wing party, Reform, won over millions of ex-Tory voters, gifting hundreds of new seats to Labour and the Lib Dems.
Besides, Rishi Sunak plainly made no such shift.
They now need more robust policies on lower taxes, immigration and much else to win back voters from Reform, Labour and even the Lib Dems.
But chiefly they need to project stability and competence.
No more infighting.
A better quality front bench.
All is not lost if wisdom and cool heads prevail.
Roar data
THE Mystic Wag has pronounced.
The Mystic Meerkats have spoken.
Harry Mane has conquered the Dutch lion.
Could the omens be any clearer? No.
All point to England glory tonight.
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So come on, lads.
Give Holland edam good thrashing.