Hard fiscal truth: welfare reform or higher taxes unavoidable.

Lt. Col. Stuart on GBNews says: – 

• * Rubio softens the tone, not the message: Europe must pay more for its own defence.
• * Clear reassurance: the US is not walking away from Europe.
• * Audible relief in the room as Washington rules out decoupling.
• * Starmer’s speech: strong rhetoric, limited substance.
• * “Loud thunder, few raindrops” – bold language, modest delivery.
• * Criticised as parochial for attacking domestic rivals on a global stage.
• * European defence cooperation call correct, but hardly groundbreaking.
• * Carrier group deployment announcement solid yet underwhelming.
• * 2.5% by 2027 seen as too slow and insufficient.
• Credible deterrence requires 3% now, 5% by 2030.
• Hard fiscal truth: welfare reform or higher taxes unavoidable.

Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a defence analyst and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk

Lt Col Stuart Crawford’s latest book Tank Commander (Hardback) is available now

• http://www.DefenceReview.UK
• @peoplemattertv
• @509298