Key Points:
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria have arrived in Washington DC for a crucial Nato summit, where they will meet US President Joe Biden and European leaders.
Starmer is under increasing pressure to quickly raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP amidst global instability.
A new strategic review into defence spending will begin next week, considering threats from Russia, the Middle East, and authoritarian countries like China and Iran.
Starmer emphasizes the importance of defending the UK and its allies, pledging to make the country a "leading defence player" on the world stage.
Former military officials warn of the urgent need to bolster UK armed forces capabilities with increased funding.
Starmer and his wife Victoria have landed in Washington DC for a crunch Nato summit, facing mounting pressure to quickly hike defence spending. The PM, accompanied by Lady Victoria, will engage with US President Joe Biden and European leaders to strengthen the alliance amid a volatile global landscape.
Amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Sir Keir Starmer is urged to set a date for fulfilling his pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. Former British military intelligence colonel Philip Ingram cautioned that delaying this decision could have severe consequences, stating, "The threat is now, and it will take years to fix the army, our ammunition stocks, get the RAF and navy ready."
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard has confirmed that a new strategic review on defence spending will commence next week, aiming to outline a path towards the 2.5% target. The review will address recent events such as the Ukraine conflict, Middle East instability, and the rise of authoritarian regimes like Russia and China.
During his first overseas trip as Prime Minister, Starmer plans to affirm the UK's commitment to facing adversaries and strengthening the Nato alliance. He emphasized the importance of enhancing national defence capabilities to protect against current and future threats, highlighting the launch of a comprehensive Strategic Defence Review.
Starmer expressed determination to position the UK as a prominent defence player on the global stage and to work with allies to overcome challenges to peace and democracy. However, concerns have escalated following Russia's recent attack on a Ukrainian children's hospital, prompting further calls for swift action on defence spending.
Former navy head Admiral Lord West underscored the urgency of bolstering the armed forces, warning of their current limitations and the pressing need for increased funding. Starmer reiterated his commitment to the 2.5% target, vowing to expedite the strategic review process to ensure the country's security and readiness against threats.
