As the Prime Minister prepares for the two-day NATO summit this week, he faces mounting criticism at home over the state of Britain’s armed forces and delays to a key Defence Command Paper
Rishi Sunak jets to Lithuania this week for a crunch showdown with NATO leaders as the war in Ukraine grinds on.
But, as he prepares for the two-day summit, he faces mounting criticism at home over the state of Britain’s armed forces and delays to a key Defence Command Paper. The document was due to set out the Government’s latest plans for troop numbers, vital military gear and ships, planes and tanks in the wake of Russia ‘s invasion of Ukraine.
Labour said 26 of NATO’s 31 member nations had unveiled updated defence proposals since Vladimir Putin ordered Kremlin forces to cross the border in February last year. The UK is among five NATO countries not to have published new plans. The Defence Command Paper had been expected to be published weeks ago.
But the Mirror understands it might not emerge until July 17 – five days after the Prime Minister returns from a major meeting of NATO leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French premier Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in Lithuanian capital Vilnius.