Jeremy Clarkson, 65, fumes Keir Starmer ‘can’t even stop the dinghies’ as he rips into PM’s armed forces ploy

Katherine Forster grills Keir Starmer on 'failing to keep Britain safe' after announcing defence review
GB News
Eliana Silver

By Eliana Silver


Published: 07/06/2025

- 13:29

The Clarkson's Farm star said the idea of Starmer in power for the next four years scared him more than Putin

Jeremy Clarkson has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent defence proposals, questioning their feasibility and the government's ability to deliver on its promises.

In his latest column for The Sun, Clarkson mocked Starmer's plan to bolster the UK's military capabilities in response to global threats, particularly from Russia.


Drawing a historical parallel, he wrote: "Can you imagine what would have happened if Neville Chamberlain had announced Britain was in grave danger and, as a result, would increase funding for the Armed Forces and therefore be ready to do 'war fighting' by 1975?"

Clarkson highlighted the impracticality of Starmer's ambitions, noting the Prime Minister's pledge to build 12 new nuclear submarines and a fleet of advanced fighter-bombers.

Jeremy Clarkson has hit out at Keir Starmer

Jeremy Clarkson has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

PA

He questioned the source of funding, stating, "He's already spent what little he had on train drivers, junior doctors and solar parks."

The columnist also expressed skepticism about the UK's current defence capabilities.

He remarked: "According to Starmer, we'd go from a country that can't even stop a rubber dinghy reaching the shores of Kent to a country that would shake fear into the entire Russian naval machine."

Clarkson's comments come in the wake of the government's Strategic Defence Review, which outlines plans to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, with aspirations to reach three per cent in the next parliamentary term.

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Keir Starmer

Starmer delivered his plans for a 'new era' of Britain's defence

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The review includes proposals for new nuclear submarines, advanced weaponry, and enhanced cyber capabilities.

However, critics have raised concerns about the lack of detailed funding plans and the practicality of the proposed timelines.

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard defended the government's commitment, stating, "This Labour Government is increasing defence spending," and announced an additional £5billion in the defence budget this year.

Despite these assurances, Clarkson remained unconvinced, questioning the government's ability to recruit and train personnel for the expanded military initiatives.

Clarkson

Clarkson concluded his critique by expressing greater concern over Starmer's leadership than external threats

GETTY

He wrote: "Back in the 30s, everyone in the country knew their duty. Not any more.

“Everyone's too busy shoplifting or choosing a gender or glueing themselves to the road."

He also cast doubt on Starmer's leadership qualities, describing him as "very possibly the least war-like leader the world has ever seen".

He then likened him to "a stick of celery in a crap suit."

Clarkson concluded his critique by expressing greater concern over Starmer's leadership than external threats, stating, "And he's in the hot seat for four more years. That scares me more than Putin does."