Keir Starmer hits back at ex-Nato chief after attack on Labour's defence plans

Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at ex-Nato chief and "completely rejects" claims that Britain is under-prepared and not safe.

In response to Lord George Robertson's criticism earlier today, the Prime Minister's spokesman rejected the comments, saying that Britain's "armed forces are the among the best in the world".

The spokesman said: "Our armed forces are working around the clock... Our armed forces are among best in the world and work 24/7 to keep us safe - we have made the largest defence investment since the cold war."

Lord Robertson, former Nato chief and co-author of last year's Strategic Defence Review (SDR) had delivered a string of critcism towards the Government on their delay in publishing their Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

He said in an interview with the Financial Times he referenced the "ever-expanding welfare budget" as a reason why we cannot "defend Britain".

Serving as the military alliance's general secretary from 1999 to 2003, the former Nato chief is expected to issue a damning verdict on the state of the Armed Forces at a speech in Salisbury today.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said the DIP will be "published as soon as possible", further emphasising that Sir Keir is "working to finalise" the plan so that it suits the security needs of the country.

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