Bluffing bully
FEAR is Putin’s most potent weapon.
He uses it to rule Russia.
We urge Keir Stamer to ramp up defence spending as Putin terrorises the West[/caption]
He has sought to conquer Ukraine by striking terror into the hearts of its citizens — and their defenders in the West.
He glibly threatens apocalyptic revenge on us.
His propagandists issue bloodcurdling nuclear threats on TV.
Some weak leaders swallowed it all.
Despite Britain’s staunch support since the invasion, others baulked.
How refreshing, then, to hear respected ex-Nato chief Lord Robertson say Putin is all bluster.
That his threats are empty. That if we allow Russia to engulf Ukraine “our enemies will write the new world order”. That it is time to push back.
Lord Robertson insists President Zelensky must have the green-light and weapons to hit targets inside Russia.
Which bodes well for the Strategic Defence Review he is leading for the new Government.
A tougher new line requires a military rapidly re-equipped after decades of decline. And there is no time to lose.
We hope he can convince Keir Starmer how urgently spending must be ramped up, to 2.5 and then three per cent of our GDP.
And get the PM to set an early deadline to achieve it.
Block Ed
KEIR Starmer’s King’s Speech today will be commendably focused on growth.
But there is a stumbling block in his own Cabinet.
Ed Miliband is not the Secretary of State for Just Stop Oil.
But in pushing Labour into banning all new North Sea drilling licences he might as well be.
It is, after all, the loons’ key demand.
Forcing Britain to import more oil and gas, which the new Energy Secretary admits we will need for decades, will cost jobs and hand profits and our energy security to foreign powers.
It will do nothing for the planet and less than nothing for growth.
Miliband’s claims that his Net Zero zealotry will conjure a green boom and lower our bills are total fantasy.
To be serious about growth, Sir Keir must pull the plug on Ed’s delusions.
Final farewell
GARETH Southgate has been a terrific manager and an exemplary ambassador for English football.
He fostered a unity and pride which our men’s team lacked.
And the nation is genuinely excited by what he built.
His results place him second only to Sir Alf Ramsey.
But, no, we still haven’t won anything since 1966.
Maybe there is a new chance now to take that final step.
For a new boss who can produce from our team of undoubted superstars the dynamism, confidence and attacking flair they are capable of.
As for Gareth, good luck.
And thanks, gaffer.
