Wes Streeting, the new UK Defence Secretary, stated that increased defence spending is a top economic priority for Andy Burnham's government, aiming for 3.5% of GDP by 2035. He emphasized clarity for the arms industry and criticized Israel's conduct in Gaza.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces mounting pressure to detail how he will fund key policy pledges, including removing VAT from electricity bills, increasing defence spending, and accelerating a national care service. His new government prioritizes easing the cost of living but must navigate fiscal constraints and internal party disquiet.
Andy Burnham faces significant policy challenges including rising welfare costs for mental health, increasing defence spending to meet NATO targets, reforming the underfunded social care system, and tackling the high youth unemployment rate in the UK.
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez and US President Donald Trump met at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey. Their encounter followed months of friction over defense spending and differing views on Gaza and Iran, though relations recently eased after Spain increased NATO commitments.
A potential new Labour PM faces critical decisions on disability benefits, defense spending, taxation, immigration, jury trials, international relations with the US and Middle East, EU ties, devolution, utility ownership, AI, and North Sea oil. Balancing fiscal responsibility with policy promises will be key.
NATO's Ankara summit concluded with leaders agreeing to increase defense spending and aid for Ukraine. However, US President Trump criticized allies over spending, imposed a trade embargo on Spain, and threatened Greenland, revealing fissures within the alliance despite his claims of "tremendous success" and "unity."
The UK Treasury has not analyzed the trade-offs required to meet Nato's 3.5% of GDP defence spending target by 2035, Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby stated. Funding decisions are deferred to the next government, with potential tax hikes or cuts to other public services implied.
Donald Trump oscillated between harsh criticism of NATO allies over defense spending and Iran, and expressions of "tremendous love" and "unity" during the alliance's summit in Ankara, Turkey. He also offered to license Patriot missile manufacturing to Ukraine.
UK Treasury has not analyzed trade-offs for NATO's 3.5% GDP defense spending pledge. Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby stated funding decisions are for the "next prime minister," citing finite resources and potential tax hikes.
Nato leaders informally agreed to avoid discussing the World Cup with Donald Trump at the Ankara summit, fearing his irritation over the US team's defeat could destabilize the alliance amidst ongoing concerns about defense spending and member contributions.
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran over, calling its leaders "scum." He also expressed anger at NATO allies for defense spending and threatened trade with Spain over its stance.
US President Donald Trump voiced disappointment with NATO at a summit in Turkiye, citing allies' defense spending and support during the US-Iran conflict. Tensions also arose over Greenland and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Europe faces a dual threat from Russia and reduced US military support, prompting calls for increased defense spending and military independence. Despite some nations leading the way, many allies lag behind NATO's 5% GDP target, with a summit in Ankara addressing critical defense materials and anti-drone capabilities.
The OBR warns that public debt will become unsustainable from the 2040s without policy changes. Rising costs of pensions, healthcare, and increased defense spending are key drivers. Early action is crucial to mitigate future adjustments.
NATO leaders convene in Ankara, Turkiye, amid US President Trump's renewed pressure on defense spending. European nations are expected to announce billions in new military contracts, while Ukraine seeks additional air defense systems. The summit focuses on translating defense spending pledges into capabilities and projecting alliance unity.
NATO leaders convene in Ankara, Turkiye, amid US President Trump's renewed pressure on defense spending. European nations are expected to announce significant new military contracts, while Ukraine seeks further air defense systems. The summit aims to translate spending promises into capabilities and project alliance unity.
Europe is concerned the US defense industrial base cannot fulfill weapons pledges to NATO allies due to depleted stockpiles from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. This leaves allies considering new defense avenues as US arms shipments are delayed or canceled.
Nato leaders convene in Ankara facing pressure from Donald Trump to increase defense spending. Allies aim to present concrete plans and new arms contracts to mollify Trump, who has criticized European "free-riding." A symbolic €70bn in aid for Ukraine is expected, but the summit's success hinges on avoiding "angry outbursts" and reaffirming alliance unity.
NATO allies will display increased defense spending at a summit in Ankara, Turkey, aiming to appease US President Donald Trump following his criticism of Europe's response to the Iran conflict. The meeting follows a pledge made a year prior for members to raise security spending to 5% of GDP.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend the NATO summit in Ankara to bolster support for the alliance, seeking to counter potential destabilization from Donald Trump's threats over defense spending. The UK aims to build a "stronger and more European NATO" and address US concerns about burden-sharing.
Former Defence Secretary John Healey criticized the Treasury for refusing to increase defence spending, viewing it as a drain rather than a growth engine. His resignation followed a dispute over the UK's commitment to Nato's 3% GDP defence spending target by 2030, which the Treasury plans to meet much later.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure at the Nato summit in Ankara over defence spending. US officials are dissatisfied with the UK's plan to reach 2.7% of GDP by 2030, urging faster increases towards the 5% target. The summit also occurs amid UK political transition speculation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to attend the annual Nato summit in Ankara amid pressure from the US to increase defence spending. Despite a recent £15bn boost, the UK's commitment as a proportion of GDP is projected to rise slowly, falling short of Nato's targets. US Ambassador to Nato, Matt Whitaker, has urged members lagging behind to step up, implying the UK is among them. New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is pushing for a dramatic increase post-2030.
The Trump administration has urged Nato allies to immediately increase defence spending to 5% of GDP or face consequences. Ahead of a summit in Ankara, US ambassador Matt Whitaker highlighted leading nations like Poland, Nordic, and Baltic countries, while noting many others are lagging. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte stated Europeans are honouring pledges to hike spending and sign arms deals worth billions, aiming to rebalance the alliance.
