New British Prime Minister calls on NATO allies to increase defense spending
Kyiv • UNN
New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on NATO allies to increase defense spending to protect the Alliance's values in a "new and dangerous era" of threats from Russia, China, terrorism and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday called on other NATO allies to increase defense spending, saying it was necessary to protect the values of the Alliance in a "new and dangerous era." This was reported by UNN with reference to Reuters.
Details
Speaking at his first international summit since taking office as UK prime minister last week, Starmer reiterated that his government will develop a roadmap to achieve 2.5% of GDP for defense spending.
Starmer pointed out that 23 of the 32 Allies currently spend 2% of GDP on defense, "but in light of the serious threats to our security, we must go further.
"We face the threat of a Russian generation aided by countries like North Korea and Iran. Conflicts are raging in the Middle East and North Africa, the Chinese challenge, terrorism and the international institutions that should underpin responses are being undermined," he said.
Reuters notes that according to an analysis published in April by the previous Conservative government, in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, UK defense spending to meet NATO requirements would have to be 2.32% of GDP.
Addendum
At the NATO summit, Keir Starmer pledged unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion, emphasizing that Britain stands in solidarity with its allies on this issue.