He made the comments while announcing that his government will announce a long-delayed defense investment plan before the next NATO summit.
In doing so, he repeated the warnings of other European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who warned back in December that Russia “could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.”
“It is the assessment of our intelligence services, as well as the assessment of other NATO member countries, that Russia could attack NATO as early as 2030,” Starmer said, according to the BBC.
“That’s why you can see the urgency and priority we are now giving to this issue,” he added during a visit to a drone factory in southwest England.
Starmer has promised to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP from next year and then to 3 percent during the next parliamentary term.
The 10-year defense investment plan, which follows a review of Britain’s defense capabilities, was due to be published at the end of last year, but has not yet happened.
Starmer announced that the document will be released before the NATO summit in Turkey, which begins on July 7.
British media reported that the announcement of the plan was delayed due to disagreements between the Ministry of Finance and other government departments over its costs.
The Prime Minister told reporters that the plan will be “fully funded”.
Earlier in the day, the head of the British air force, Richard Knighton, warned that the country must further strengthen its defenses due to threats posed by Russia.
“In my 35 years of service, this is the most dangerous period I can remember,” Knighton told the BBC.
“That’s why it’s important that we, together with our allies, improve the capabilities and readiness of our armed forces to deter adversaries from any reckless moves.”
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on NATO member countries to increase defense spending and become less dependent on Washington for their own security.
(Vijesti.ba)
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