Government ‘flirting with actual hazard’ if it slashes defence spending

The Government will be ‘flirting with real danger’ if it slashes defence spending or turns its back on Israel, a former US National Security Advisor is warning.

Robert C O’Brien urged Labour to increase investment in its Armed Forces to 2.5 per cent as soon as possible – a goal backed by the Mail.

In an interview with the Policy Exchange think-tank he said: ‘I think (2.5 per cent) is a terrific goal. It has to be done quickly. 

‘Talk is cheap. The US is looking for action. A strong UK is tremendous for the West and for America. 

Sir Keir Starmer’s government will be ‘flirting with danger’ if it slashes defence spending or turns its back on Israel, a former US National Security Advisor has warned

Robert C O’Brien urged the Government to raise investment on the Armed Forces to 2.5 per cent as soon as possible

Mr O’Brien also warned against the UK imposing an arms embargo against Israel (file photo)

‘The sooner the UK can get to 2.5 per cent the more secure the free world will be.’

He also warned the UK Government over an arms embargo against Israel. 

He said: ‘There is the potential there for a serious rift, whether it is a Harris or a Trump administration … and I would tread very carefully.’

It comes as Israel agreed to halt some of its military operations in Gaza to allow health workers to launch a polio vaccine drive for some 640,000 Palestinian children. 

The first pause began yesterday in central Gaza, where health workers will administer vaccines before moving to southern Gaza and then the North in nine days.