Defence Secretary points stark warning about ‘decade’ of aggression from Russia

The Defence Secretary has warned “we’re facing a decade or more of growing Russian aggression” as he vowed to rapidly review Britain’s military strength.

John Healey stressed the need to “work at pace” as he considers what troops, aircraft and ships the armed forces need. Keir Starmer has ordered a review of the country’s military capabilities in the face of growing threats, including from Vladimir Putin.

Mr Healey told reporters at the Nato summit in Washington: “What is really clear is that we’re facing a decade or more of growing Russian aggression. Supporting Ukraine and its ability to win is our first priority. That’s why on my second day in the job, I flew to Odesa and I spent the afternoon with (Volodymyr) Zelensky and his team.

“And when we’re facing growing threats across the board, the Strategic Defence Review is our chance as a new government to get to grips with the threats that we face, the capabilities that we’ve got, the true state of the armed forces and of course the finances that may be available.”

He said the review, which will include a roadmap on how to reach the target of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, was “the way that we balance the requirements of stronger national security with the responsibilities of sound public finances”. “It needs to be done at pace, it will be done properly,” he added.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier this year warned Europe is in a “pre-war era” and Ukraine must not be defeated by Russia for the good of the whole continent.