Russian Navy attack is 'huge wake up call' for Keir Starmer to 'get serious' on defence, Tory MP warns

An attack on a British couple by the Russian Navy is a "huge wake up call" for Sir Keir Starmer, the Shadow Business Secretary has warned.

Speaking to GB News, Andrew Griffith urged the Prime Minister to "get serious" on defence and to get the Defence Investment Plan "signed off".

On Tuesday morning, Russian warship Grigorovich fired at least four shots at a British couple on board their yacht as they sailed towards France.

Speaking to the People's Channel, Alan and Jane Kelvey said they received no prior warning from the Russians before the shots were fired.

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Mr and Mrs Kelvey told GB News: "We were not on a collision course in any way shape or form... we didn't do anything wrong.

"We followed all the collision regulations… the closest we got to them was 500m… and as soon as we heard the gun shots, we put our engine on."

Reacting to the attack, Mr Griffith declared the incident is a "salutary reminder of the threats to our shores".

He told GB News Breakfast: "That Russian activity, naval activity just off the coast of the Isle of Wight, we're seeing similar in Estonia and Poland.

"There's obviously great grey warfare going on that you talked about, and all of that is a huge wake up call to the Government to get serious, get the Defence Investment Plan signed off, get that money flowing, start equipping Britain with the missile defences, the drones, the equipment that we so badly need."

Taking aim at Sir Keir, the Tory MP accused the Prime Minister of leading a Government which is "only focussed on itself".

He said: "What we've got is a Labour leadership, the Labour Party only focused in on themselves.

"The Prime Minister, being almost empty chaired, I think we saw pictures of that at the G7 Summit. This is no way for our fine nation to behave, to conduct itself."

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Pressed by host Alex Armstrong on how a Conservative Government would bolster Britain's defences if they were in power, Mr Griffith made clear there must be "reform" to the welfare system.

He said: "We will prioritise defence above all else, reform the welfare system so that fewer people are making a living on benefit street, and having the defence of our nation that we need.

"We must also get growth, the Conservative plan for business is with lower energy costs, less red tape, simpler taxes and a Government that properly celebrates business."

Questioned on the country's latest inflation rate, which flatlined at 2.8 per cent, the Shadow Business Secretary explained the "big shocker" affecting the country's economy.

He explained: "Well, the big shocker in today's inflation figures is not just that inflation has remained stubbornly high.

"But if you look at something called the producer price index, which measures the inflation that firms face, their higher employment costs, the greater costs of red tape, and of course, their energy costs, that's gone up by nearly nine per cent."

Mr Griffith concluded: "Now, one way or another, that's going to hit ordinary folk. Either it's going to end up in higher prices on the high street, or it's going to end up with business closures and people losing their jobs.

"So that, to me, is the big worry from today's inflation figures, and a lot of that sits on Rachel Reeves's desk."

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