A former Royal Navy officer has hit out at successive Governments for "kicking the can down the road" on defence spending.
Speaking to GB News, Tom Sharpe questioned what it would take for the current Labour Government to be "honest about the situation" the nation is facing, saying the Iran crisis has exposed its vulnerabilities.
Former Nato chief Lord George Robertson has accused Sir Keir Starmer of "corrosive complacency" when it comes to Britain's defences, warning that national security is now "in peril".
The Prime Minister has hit back at Lord Robertson's remarks, saying he "completely rejects" claims that the country is under-prepared and not safe.
Expressing his concern for the lack of defence investment, Mr Sharpe stressed the issue has lingered for "decades" under both Labour and Tory Governments.
He explained: "These problems have been brewing for years. Of course, we're feeling them now, but they've been evident for decades across both Governments for so many years.
"And those of us who have been commentating on this have always questioned, what does it take to reverse this trend?"
Criticising Sir Keir's rejection of Lord Robertson's remarks, Mr Sharpe cast doubt over any changes being made to defence spending if there is "immediate denial".
Tom Sharpe has hit out at Labour and Tory Governments for 'kicking the can down the road' on defence
|PA / GB NEWS
The ex-Royal Navy Officer said: "You could understand why health and welfare and education was prioritised in the so-called peace dividend, but now you cannot.
"But what changes it if what Lord Robertson has just said is met with immediate denial? What does it take for the Government to be honest about the situation? Because that's required first before they can fix it."
Mr Sharpe said the Government must rid itself of the "can-kicking" trend, warning the threats facing Britain are happening now.
He said: "I think kicking the defence can down the road has become a national sport for so long, it's always someone else's problem. It's always the next Government's problem. They run on a four-yearly cycle - in fact, right now it feels like they're running on a week to week cycle.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Lord Robertson has warned Sir Keir Starmer risks leaving Britain's national security 'in peril' | GETTY"So can-kicking is an absolute skill and this one has it in spades. But the problem is that tomorrow is now, it's happening now. We've got Russian submarines operating around our coast right now. We couldn't send a destroyer to the Mediterranean for weeks. Of six ships, we've got one.
"And the reason we've got six is because previous Governments deferred on the replacement for them, and that is happening now."
Calling on the Prime Minister to "step up" and strengthen Britain's defences, Mr Sharpe told GB News that the Treasury is "calling the shots" instead of the Prime Minister.
He said: "The Treasury are calling the shots here, and they need to prioritise. I'm not for one second pretending that's an easy job, but they're calling the shots when it comes to defence and security.
Mr Sharpe told GB News that it is time for Keir Starmer to 'step up and lead'
|GB NEWS
"And really it's now time, I think, for the Prime Minister to step up and lead."
In response to Lord George Robertson's criticism of Britain's security, the Sir Keir's spokesman said Britain's armed forces are "among the best in the world".
The spokesman said: "Our armed forces are working around the clock.
"Our armed forces are among the best in the world and work 24/7 to keep us safe – we have made the largest defence investment since the Cold War."