Andy Burnham and the Labour Government are facing pressure from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to explain how Britain will respond to Russia’s alleged “shadow war” against NATO countries. The calls follow warnings that Moscow could use drones, rockets and other hybrid tactics to intimidate European states supporting Ukraine, with Poland, France and Germany signalling heightened concern.

NATO pilots reportedly shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, while Poland’s prime minister warned Russia could portray future attacks as accidental to weaken NATO’s resolve. Germany has blamed Russia for a drone incident at Leipzig airport and is preparing hospitals for a possible conflict, while NATO chief Mark Rutte has urged Britain to provide a credible route towards spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035; current plans reach 2.7% by 2027–28. The UK has also rejected Russian threats against British facilities supporting Ukraine, as Moscow warned of possible retaliation over British military assistance.