Wes Streeting has warned that Russia and President Vladimir Putin are the UK's most serious security threat, and said the country faces the "greatest risk" of war in his lifetime. He linked that danger to the decision to deliver the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War. Streeting urged that the UK's defences must not "stand still" for five years, arguing that stronger capabilities build deterrence and reduce the chance of being drawn into conflict.
Wes Streeting Warns Russia And Putin Are The UK's 'Greatest Threat' — Major Defence Buildup Planned
FILE PHOTO - Wes Streeting arrives at number 10 Downing Street. (is associated with: «Russia and Putin the 'biggest threat' to UK security, minister warns») James Manning/PA Wire/dpa
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that Russia and President Vladimir Putin represent the UK’s most serious security threat, saying the country now faces the "greatest risk" of war in his lifetime.
Defence Spending And Deterrence
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday ahead of Labour's conference in Liverpool, Streeting said this threat underpins the government's decision to "deliver the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War." He told reporters:
"Without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest threat facing Britain is Russia and President Putin."
Streeting added: "We've got war in our continent. We've got a Russian president who has imperialist ambitions, who is constantly testing Britain's defences, NATO defences and testing the strength of our alliances." He described the situation as a "sobering reality" and warned the UK faces a greater risk of war than at any point in his lifetime.
While expressing confidence that the UK currently has the capabilities to remain secure, Streeting cautioned that those advantages would erode if defences were allowed to "stand still" for five years. "Strength builds deterrence, and deterrence makes it far less likely that we will end up in a place we don't want to be — which is at war with Russia or, indeed, anyone else," he said.
The comments come as Labour prepares for its conference in Liverpool, where national security and defence spending are expected to be prominent topics of discussion.
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