Keir Starmer, who was hounded out of his job as prime minister, is now eyeing the role of NATO secretary general, a move critics describe as an extraordinary example of failing upwards. The job comes with a tax-free salary of £260,000.
Starmer's Record Under Fire
Starmer will leave Downing Street in three weeks after an emotional admission of inadequacy. Defence Secretary John Healey quit in protest over the PM's failure to adequately fund the armed forces. Britain currently allocates 2.3% of GDP to defence, around £66bn annually, while welfare spending is 10.9% of GDP at £333.7bn.
According to the article, Starmer thinks benefits are more important than bullets. Yet his allies believe he is a contender when Mark Rutte vacates the NATO post in 2028.
Zelensky Backs Starmer
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is supporting Starmer's candidacy. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, the UK has committed around £22bn in support. Starmer has frequently travelled abroad, spending two-and-a-half months overseas in his first 17 months, more than any other British leader in history.
Defence Spending Promises Questioned
NATO members have agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defence by 2034/35. Starmer set out a £15bn boost to the defence investment plan, aiming for 4.2% of GDP, but without a date. Critics call it a meaningless promise.
Global Threats Loom
Mark Rutte warned: 'Because of Russia, war has returned to Europe. Russia produces in three months what NATO produces in a year. Russia could be ready to strike NATO within five years.' China is also expanding its navy to 435 ships by 2030 and building over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.
Starmer's defence record does not inspire confidence, and his potential appointment would please adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China.
