KEIR FORCE ONE
Sir Keir Starmer launches major review of global threats facing UK but won’t give date for boosting defence spending
The review will look at Britain’s military’s capabilities in the face of growing threats
SIR Keir Starmer today launches a major review of global threats facing the UK — but he will stop short of giving a firm date for boosting defence spending.
The PM is attending his first Nato summit under pressure to spell out exactly when the Government will spend 2.5 per cent of our GDP on defence.
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Sir Keir will tell the 75th anniversary meeting in Washington that he is determined to face down our adversaries — and announce a Strategic Defence Review.
It will consider Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Middle East instability and the rise of authoritarian countries such as China and Iran.
The review — putting “Nato first” at the heart of our plans — will look at Britain’s military’s capabilities in the face of growing threats.
But the critical work will set out only a road map to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence. No firm date for hitting the target will be given until the review is complete.
Sir Keir flew to Washington from Stansted last night with wife Victoria.
The PM is set to say at the summit — his first overseas trip in office — that stepping up spending will safeguard the alliance.
Sir Keir, who will meet US President Joe Biden in the White House during the trip, said: “There is no more important duty for me as Prime Minister than keeping the people of our country safe.
“At a time when we face multiple threats at home and abroad, we must make sure we are ready to defend ourselves.
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“That’s why I have immediately ordered a root-and-branch review that will secure Britain’s defences for the future.
"Working with our most important partners around the world, our Strategic Defence Review will make sure the UK is sending a clear message to those who seek to undermine peace and democracy: You will not succeed.”
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The PM will make clear to fellow leaders that he is determined to make sure the UK is a “leading defence player” on the world stage — highlighting that western allies will “triumph over tyranny”.
But pressure to hit the 2.5 per cent target has mounted since Russia bombed a Ukrainian children’s hospital on Monday.
STARMER'S ON BOARD
From Ryan Sabey
VICTORIA Starmer holds hands with Sir Keir on the steps of the plane ready to be whisked to Washington.
The mum of two, who stayed mainly in the background during the election, yesterday joined her husband on his first overseas trip to the Nato summit.
Spouses rarely join PMs on foreign trips. But she is set to enjoy a series of events put on for partners.
She and Sir Keir will also attend a leaders’ White House dinner tonight.