UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting downplays Iran's threats of attack, stating the UK is prepared to respond to any aggression and remains aligned with the US on securing maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
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.
UK ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood apologized for "ribbing" about the early release of prisoners on camera, drawing strong condemnation from victims' groups and commissioners who warn the scheme endangers abuse survivors.
Britain's new Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated Israel "fell short" of UK conduct standards in Gaza and the West Bank, echoing past criticisms. His comments, made at the Farnborough Airshow, underscore continued divisions within the Labour Party regarding the conflict and future defense spending commitments.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have apologised for comments caught on camera, where Streeting joked about Justice Secretary Alex Norris wanting to "let them all out," referencing the UK government's early prisoner release scheme. The remarks drew criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
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.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the war in Iran has cost US$37.5 billion, seeking urgent funding from skeptical lawmakers. The unpopular conflict is a key issue ahead of midterm elections.
Andy Burnham has appointed John Healey as UK Chancellor, an unexpected choice seen as a safe pair of hands to unite the Labour Party and manage the economy. Healey faces the challenge of funding Burnham's policy promises, including higher defence spending and public control of utilities, without raising key taxes or breaching borrowing rules.
Shares in UK defence companies, including Babcock, BAE Systems, and Rolls-Royce, surged after Andy Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor, sparking investor hopes for increased military spending. An analyst, however, cautioned against immediate windfalls due to competing demands.
John Healey, a veteran Labour politician, has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in Andy Burnham's cabinet, replacing Rachel Reeves. His appointment follows his recent resignation as defence secretary over the government's "well short" defence investment plan, highlighting his commitment to increased defence spending and economic growth.
John Healey, who recently resigned as Sir Keir Starmer's defence secretary over concerns about defence investment, has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in Andy Burnham's cabinet, replacing Rachel Reeves. His return to a vital government role is a surprise given his principled resignation.
John Healey, now Chancellor, faces pressure to deliver on his previous demands for increased UK defense funding, having resigned as Defence Secretary over the Treasury's "unwillingness" to properly fund the military's modernization plans.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has cancelled a trip to Israel following President Trump's declaration that the ceasefire with Iran is 'over'. Trump's comments came after Iran retaliated against US strikes with attacks on US bases. Israel's actions in Lebanon and Gaza have been a point of contention.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that China's sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. are ineffective in resolving territorial disputes with China and do not reduce the risk of conflict.
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.
The UK is attending the NATO summit without a long-term plan to meet alliance spending targets, a critical issue for Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's new Defence Investment Plan outlines spending through 2030 but lacks a clear path to NATO's 2035 goal of 3.5% of GDP.
The UK will attend the NATO summit without a clear long-term plan to meet alliance spending targets, despite assurances from Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure as the current plan lacks a path to NATO's 3.5% GDP goal by 2035.
UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is pushing for a significant increase in defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, urging a £25bn annual rise. He aims to secure this commitment from potential Prime Minister Andy Burnham, emphasizing the need for enhanced national security amid global challenges.
Sir Keir Starmer's defence investment plan (Dip) is criticized for its "nightmare logic," suggesting deeper incorporation into American power rather than genuine national security. Despite a £298bn budget, concerns are raised about austerity measures and a focus on US alliance capabilities over homeland defence.
Keir Starmer announced a £15bn defence investment plan, increasing spending to 2.7% of GDP by 2030, funded by diverting money from energy, transport, and housing projects. He warned his successor, likely Andy Burnham, against borrowing more for defence, despite calls for higher spending from former Defence Secretary John Healey and military chiefs.
UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis aims to publish the delayed Defence Investment Plan (Dip) before the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Indications suggest he has secured around £1 billion more than his predecessor, John Healey, though final Treasury negotiations are ongoing. The plan covers major capital programs for the next decade.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of US military presence in Europe, linking future troop numbers and NATO dues to allies' defense spending. He criticized "free riding" and "shameful" inaction on using airbases for strikes against Iran, threatening force reductions in low-spending nations.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of US forces in Europe, criticizing allies for "free-riding" and imposing limits on aid during the war with Iran. The review, termed Nato 3.0, aims for Europe to lead on security, with the US demanding increased defense spending from member states.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declined to criticize US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "paper tiger" comments on NATO, stating allies are working hard to meet targets. Rutte acknowledged the need for "equitable distribution of labor" as the US reviews its troop presence in Europe.
