UK Defence Spending Plans Remain Unclear Ahead of Starmer's Meeting with Trump
Labour's Keir Starmer may not announce a timeline for increasing UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP during his upcoming discussions in Washington.
Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, is unlikely to reveal a definitive plan this week for increasing the United Kingdom's defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, according to education secretary Bridget Phillipson.
Although Labour had previously indicated intentions to outline a pathway to this target following the strategic defence review this spring, Phillipson described the goal as ambitious.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday.
This meeting comes amid tensions between the United States and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, intensified by Trump's recent comments criticizing both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for their involvement in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Peter Mandelson, the UK’s ambassador to Washington, has reportedly advised Starmer to establish a clear timeline for increasing the UK's defence spending from its current figure of 2.3% of GDP. Phillipson attributed challenges in setting such a timeline to the state of public finances, which she characterized as in a 'devastating state' following the Conservative government's tenure.
She noted a projected £22 billion shortfall in public finances and stated that Labour's forthcoming plan would be credible and responsible.
When asked if Starmer would inform Trump of the UK’s commitment to increase defence spending amid US pressures for European allies to enhance their military contributions, Phillipson affirmed that while the UK will spend 'much more' on defence, reaching the 2.5% target would require careful planning, especially given existing financial constraints.
Starmer's meeting with Trump coincides with French President Macron's visit to Washington, marking a significant moment as Macron becomes the first European leader to meet the US president since his inauguration.
Phillipson indicated that the timing of meetings should not bear significant weight, underscoring that the relationship between the UK and the US remains a priority.
Meanwhile, Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge expressed Conservative support for the Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for increased defence spending in response to global security challenges, particularly regarding Russian aggression.
Cartlidge suggested reallocating resources from a trimmed civil service budget to enhance the defence budget.
Starmer has committed to advocating for Ukraine's sovereignty in his discussions with Trump, assuring Zelenskyy that he would progress key security discussions while in the United States.
In a recent call with the Ukrainian president, Starmer reiterated the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's national interests.
At the Scottish Labour Party’s annual conference, Starmer received enthusiastic support from party members when affirming his opposition to any peace agreement regarding Ukraine that does not ensure a fair and stable resolution with the involvement of Ukrainian officials.
He stressed the significance of the conflict as both a moral imperative and a national interest for the UK, citing the ramifications of Russian actions on economic stability and local security.
Although Labour had previously indicated intentions to outline a pathway to this target following the strategic defence review this spring, Phillipson described the goal as ambitious.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday.
This meeting comes amid tensions between the United States and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, intensified by Trump's recent comments criticizing both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for their involvement in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Peter Mandelson, the UK’s ambassador to Washington, has reportedly advised Starmer to establish a clear timeline for increasing the UK's defence spending from its current figure of 2.3% of GDP. Phillipson attributed challenges in setting such a timeline to the state of public finances, which she characterized as in a 'devastating state' following the Conservative government's tenure.
She noted a projected £22 billion shortfall in public finances and stated that Labour's forthcoming plan would be credible and responsible.
When asked if Starmer would inform Trump of the UK’s commitment to increase defence spending amid US pressures for European allies to enhance their military contributions, Phillipson affirmed that while the UK will spend 'much more' on defence, reaching the 2.5% target would require careful planning, especially given existing financial constraints.
Starmer's meeting with Trump coincides with French President Macron's visit to Washington, marking a significant moment as Macron becomes the first European leader to meet the US president since his inauguration.
Phillipson indicated that the timing of meetings should not bear significant weight, underscoring that the relationship between the UK and the US remains a priority.
Meanwhile, Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge expressed Conservative support for the Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for increased defence spending in response to global security challenges, particularly regarding Russian aggression.
Cartlidge suggested reallocating resources from a trimmed civil service budget to enhance the defence budget.
Starmer has committed to advocating for Ukraine's sovereignty in his discussions with Trump, assuring Zelenskyy that he would progress key security discussions while in the United States.
In a recent call with the Ukrainian president, Starmer reiterated the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's national interests.
At the Scottish Labour Party’s annual conference, Starmer received enthusiastic support from party members when affirming his opposition to any peace agreement regarding Ukraine that does not ensure a fair and stable resolution with the involvement of Ukrainian officials.
He stressed the significance of the conflict as both a moral imperative and a national interest for the UK, citing the ramifications of Russian actions on economic stability and local security.
