London, United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Saturday that the government would publish its defence investment plan before the alliance’s summit in Ankara next month, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
Call with NATO chief
In a call earlier on Saturday, Starmer and Rutte agreed that allies must strengthen collective defence and respond more quickly to shared and evolving threats.
Political pressure
The call came amid mounting political pressure on Starmer after John Healey resigned as defence minister on Thursday, accusing the prime minister of failing to commit the resources needed to keep Britain safe from growing threats.
Investment plan timeline
“The prime minister updated on plans for the defence investment plan, underlining his commitment to publish it ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The NATO summit in Ankara is scheduled for July 7-8. Britain’s defence investment plan had been due last year.
Defence spending target
“The NATO Secretary General welcomed the UK’s increased investment in defence as an important contribution to the alliance and to meeting the threats we face,” the spokesperson added.
Starmer also reiterated his aim to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP in the next parliament and said national security remained the government’s top priority even as the government makes difficult budget choices.
