MoD warned UK must prepare for war in Europe as Starmer vows to combat troop 'crisis'
The Prime Minister has declared the Government must "renew the contract with those who dedicate their lives to serves".
Keir Starmer has vowed to combat low morale among troops and a "crisis in recruitment and retention" amid warnings Britain must be ready for war.
The Prime Minister has declared the Government must “renew the contract with those who dedicate their lives to serves”.
The Labour leader said a new position of Armed Forces Commissioner will be created to fight on behalf of service personnel.
Ministers insist they will be a “direct and independent contact point” for soldiers, sailors and aviators defending Britain.
The commitment comes at a crucial time, with Sir Keir facing calls to order the Ministry of Defence to make an intelligence assessment of when "the government believes the UK might have to commit to war in Europe".
Defence chiefs are concerned the existing Service Complaints Ombudsman is “too narrow”. They fear it can only launch probes after problems have developed and that their “remit is reactive and does not allow proactive investigations into issues facing our Armed Forces”.
The Commissioner will also be given powers to inspect accommodation, faulty kit and visit barracks and bases across the country.
This will allow them to raise issues “outside their chain of command”.
Notes published alongside the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill state: “The men and women of our Armed Forces serve our country with dedication and risk their lives for this country, and they are at the heart of our security.
“We have seen morale amongst our armed forces personnel hit record lows and a crisis in recruitment and retention.
“The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey has shown a fall in morale in our Armed Forces over the last decade. It has also indicated systemic challenges in terms of retaining our personnel.
“We need to renew the contract with those who dedicate their lives to serve, and their families, and ensure their needs are represented by a strong, independent voice.”
The number British Army troops has fallen below 73,000 for the first time since the Napoleonic era.
Official government figures show there are now just 72,510 full-time, trained soldiers ready for deployment.
The current overall strength of the UK Armed Forces stands at 183,230.
Sir Keir has asked for a thorough “root and branch” assessment of the state of the UK’s military capabilities, which the Prime Minister pledged would tackle international threats head-on.
But the Strategic Defence Review is not due to be reported until the first half of 2025. Labour has promised to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent but only after the review and only if the public finances allow it.
Manpower within the Royal Marines is down 16 per cent, 27 per cent in the Royal Air Force and 30% in the British Army.
And morale was severely damaged by the appalling standards of some military accommodation.
The King said the Government will maintain “strong” Armed Forces and that its “commitment to NATO will remain unshakeable”.
His Majesty said: “My Government will ensure a strong defence based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
“Its commitment to NATO will remain unshakeable.
“It will maintain a strong Armed Forces, including the nuclear deterrent. To ensure that the United Kingdom's defence capabilities are matched to the changing nature of global strategic threats, my Government will conduct a Strategic Defence Review.
“My Government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine and its people and it will endeavour to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership.
“My Government will seek to reset the relationship with European partners and work to improve the United Kingdom's trade and investment relationship with the European Union.
“My Ministers will seek a new security pact to strengthen cooperation on the mutual threats faced by the United Kingdom and the European Union.”
RUSI’s Ed Arnold has urged the Ministry of Defence to make an intelligence assessment of when "the government believes the UK might have to commit to war in Europe".
He added: "This would bring the UK in line with NATO itself and many European allies, and it would be the key to informing resourcing and capability choices – the difference between getting ready for 2027 versus 2033 is stark.
"It would also provide a target to communicate to the Treasury to negotiate the required increase in funding, or argue to more appropriate funding mechanisms for defence. This assessment should also be openly communicated to UK society."
