‘Moscow test’ for Burnham: Ex-defence chief says next UK PM must act like a ‘wartime leader’ amid global threats

Andy Burnham will need to apply a “Moscow test” to his policies and govern “almost like a wartime prime minister” if he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer, former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has warned.The intervention comes at a critical moment for Britain’s defence policy, with the government preparing to unveil its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP) ahead of next month’s Nato summit in Turkey.

‘Makerfield test’ must be matched by a ‘Moscow test’

Burnham, widely seen as the frontrunner to replace Starmer, recently vowed that future government decisions would have to pass a “Makerfield test”, a reference to the constituency he won earlier this month, aimed at ensuring policies benefit communities beyond London.But Sir Tony argued that domestic priorities alone would not be enough for Britain’s next leader.“As well as having the Makerfield test, I would say it’s the Moscow test,” he told the BBC.“What do we look like to Moscow? Do we look like a strong member of the Nato alliance? Do we look like a strong nuclear power? Do we look like a strong ally of America? Because those are the elements that keep us safe.”

‘Almost a wartime prime minister’

Delivering a direct message to Burnham, the former military chief said the UK’s next prime minister would shoulder an extraordinary responsibility at a time of heightened global instability.“It is keep our country safe, acknowledge that you have this extraordinary responsibility — so you’re almost like a wartime prime minister at the moment,” Sir Tony said.“That means you need to invest in what really keeps us safe.”In a separate warning published in The Sunday Times, Sir Tony reportedly reminded the prospective prime minister of the gravity of Britain’s nuclear deterrent responsibilities, saying the country’s leader must never lose sight of the threats facing the nation.

Pressure grows over defence spending

Sir Tony also urged the next government to honour the pledge to raise defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035, warning that Britain’s military capabilities remain “too bare”.He said additional funding was needed not only for new weapons systems but also for day-to-day military readiness, including maintenance, ammunition stocks and operational availability of ships, aircraft and armoured vehicles.“All of that at the moment is too bare,” he said.The former defence chief cautioned that failing to meet spending commitments could strain Britain’s standing within Nato and damage relations with the United States.

Defence plan at centre of political storm

The remarks come amid continuing controversy over the government’s defence funding plans.Earlier this month, defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns resigned, arguing that proposed funding increases fell short of what was needed to address growing security challenges.Reports suggest the Ministry of Defence sought tens of billions of pounds in additional funding over the remainder of the decade, significantly more than the amount offered by the Treasury.The revised Defence Investment Plan is expected to be published before the Nato summit on July 7, with ministers promising greater investment in frontline capabilities, including advanced strike drones, new equipment and enhanced support for Britain’s armed forces.

Government insists security remains top priority

Defence secretary Dan Jarvis sought to reassure allies and military leaders, saying Burnham understood the “nature and complexity” of the international security environment.“I know national security will be the first priority of any Labour prime minister,” Jarvis said, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening Britain’s military capabilities.