Burnham’s ‘Moscow test’: Former defense secretary says next UK PM must behave like ‘wartime leader’ amid global threats

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the former chief of the defense staff, has warned that if Andy Burnham succeeds Sir Keir Starmer he will need to give his policies a “Moscow test” and govern “almost like a wartime prime minister”.The intervention comes at a critical time for UK defense policy, as the government prepares to unveil its long-awaited Defense Investment Plan (DIP) ahead of next month’s NATO summit in Turkey.

‘Makerfield Test’ must match ‘Moscow Test’

Burnham, widely seen as the frontrunner to replace Starmer, has recently vowed that future government decisions must pass the “Meckfield Test”, a reference to the constituency he won earlier this month, which aims to ensure policies benefit communities outside London.But Sir Tony believes domestic priorities alone will not be enough for Britain’s next leader.“As well as the Makefield Test, I would say it’s also the Moscow Test,” he told the BBC.“What do we look like to Moscow? Do we look like a strong member of the NATO alliance? Do we look like a strong nuclear power? Do we look like a strong ally of the United States? Because these are the elements that keep us safe.”

‘Almost a wartime prime minister’

The former military chief delivered a direct message to Burnham, saying Britain’s next prime minister would have an extraordinary responsibility at a time of rising global instability.Sir Tony said: “This is about keeping our country safe and recognizing that you have this extraordinary responsibility, so you are now almost like a wartime prime minister.”“That means you need to invest in things that actually keep us safe.”In a separate warning published in The Sunday Times, Sir Tony reportedly reminded the future prime minister of the seriousness of Britain’s nuclear deterrent responsibilities and said the country’s leaders must not ignore the threats facing the country.

Pressure on defense spending increases

Sir Tony also urged the next government to fulfill its pledge to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, warning that the UK’s military capabilities were still “too scarce”.He said additional funding will be needed not only for new weapons systems but also for day-to-day military readiness, including maintenance of ships, aircraft and armored vehicles, ammunition stocks and operational availability.“All of this is too naked at the moment,” he said.The former defense secretary warned that failure to meet spending commitments could weaken Britain’s position within Nato and damage relations with the United States.

Defense plans at center of political storm

The comments come as the government’s defense funding plans remain controversial.Earlier this month, Defense Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Kearns resigned, arguing that the proposed funding increase was insufficient to address growing security challenges.Reports show the Ministry of Defense is seeking tens of billions of pounds of extra funding for the rest of the decade, far more than what the Treasury has offered.A revised defense investment plan is expected to be published ahead of a NATO summit on July 7, with ministers pledging greater investment in frontline capabilities, including advanced attack drones, new equipment and increased support for the UK’s armed forces.

Government insists safety remains top priority

Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis sought to reassure allies and military leaders, saying Burnham understood the “nature and complexity” of the international security environment.Jarvis said: “I know that national security will be the first priority of any Labor prime minister.” He also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Britain’s military capabilities.