Former army chief urges UK to increase defense spending amid troop deployment discussions

Former army chief Lord Dannatt criticized Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for underestimating the cost of deploying UK troops in Ukraine. He argued that defense spending must increase to 3-3.5% of GDP, rather than the proposed 2.5%. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the UK is prepared to send troops to Ukraine if necessary. He emphasized the importance of this commitment for both Ukraine's security and the UK's own safety. Tensions over defense spending are rising as military leaders urge higher budgets. Currently, UK defense spending is about 2.3% of GDP, with Labour's commitment to raise it to 2.5% adding around £5 billion to the budget.