Sir Keir Starmer has initiated a Strategic Defence Review (SDR) to evaluate Britain's preparedness for future conflicts. The review, announced in July 2024, has enlisted a team of experts, including former advisers to Tony Blair and Prince William, to provide insights into the changing nature of warfare and national security challenges.
Among the six new experts appointed to the SDR team are Grace Cassy and Jean-Christophe Gray. Cassy, who advised Blair from 2004 to 2006, brings valuable experience in national security matters. Her background includes co-founding CyLon Ventures, a firm investing in cyber security start-ups worldwide, reflecting the growing importance of digital defense in modern warfare strategies.
Gray, who served as Lord Cameron's official spokesman from 2012 to 2015 and later worked for the Prince of Wales from 2021 to 2024, brings a unique perspective from both political and royal circles. His reputation as "Whitehall's most assiduous bean-counter" during his time heading the Treasury's public spending committee suggests a keen eye for financial considerations in defense planning.
The SDR aims to address the evolving global security landscape, with a focus on threats posed by nations such as China, Russia, and Iran. Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, the lead reviewer, emphasized the importance of being "clear-eyed about the defensive capabilities we need for the future" as threats continue to evolve.
"As the threats facing Britain continue to evolve, we must be clear-eyed about the defensive capabilities we need for the future. The work of our review is already underway and will deliver a clear vision for UK defence."
The review could potentially lead to significant changes in Britain's military structure and capabilities. Defense sources suggest it may open the door to increasing the size of the British Army, which had been reduced to its smallest size since the Napoleonic era under previous administrations.
While Starmer has promised to ensure the military is "bolstered and respected" under his government, he has not committed to a specific timeframe for increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP from its current level of around 2.2%. This cautious approach reflects the complex balance between national security needs and economic considerations.
As the SDR progresses, it will undoubtedly draw upon the diverse expertise of its panel members, including Cassy's experience in cyber security and Gray's insights from both government and royal service. The outcome of this review will likely shape Britain's defense strategy for years to come, addressing not only traditional military concerns but also emerging threats in the digital and geopolitical spheres.