In a surprising move, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak intervened to prevent NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg from answering a question about the potential implications of a Conservative defeat in the upcoming general election. The incident occurred during a press conference in Poland, where the two leaders were discussing defense spending and the growing threat posed by authoritarian states. Journalist Pippa Crerar posed a question to Stoltenberg, inquiring about his preparations for the Conservative Party’s predicted election loss and whether he had engaged in precautionary discussions with the British opposition. However, Sunak swiftly interjected, asserting that it would be inappropriate for Stoltenberg to engage in domestic politics. Despite Sunak’s efforts to deflect attention from the issue, Stoltenberg remained silent while Sunak launched into a critique of Labour leader Keir Starmer, highlighting Starmer’s previous support for Jeremy Corbyn, who had advocated for the U.K.’s withdrawal from NATO and the disbandment of its nuclear deterrent.
Meanwhile, Sunak used the press conference to announce a substantial increase in defense spending, committing to boost it to £87 billion per year by 2030. Citing the growing threat posed by authoritarian states and the need to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, Sunak emphasized the importance of bolstering the U.K.’s defenses. However, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, John Healey, expressed skepticism about the Conservative government’s commitment to defense, highlighting their previous record of mismanagement in procurement and recruitment.
Sunak’s interruption of Stoltenberg’s response and his subsequent attack on Starmer have raised questions about the Conservative Party’s approach to domestic and international affairs. The incident has also drawn attention to the growing importance of defense spending and the challenges posed by authoritarian states in the current geopolitical climate.
