PM underlines defence commitments ahead of NATO summit

Prime minister Keir Starmer has said he will emphasise his determination to face down global threats to Britain and its western allies at the NATO summit, taking place in Washington D.C. 

Starmer announced yesterday (9 July) that he will launch the government’s Strategic Defence Review next week, with detailed preparatory work already undertaken by Defence Secretary John Healey - who will oversee the review.

The government said it will determine the future defence posture of the UK, the capabilities needed and will set out a roadmap to achieving 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence. 

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Britain’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable. We cannot have prosperity without security and we must never take our ability to live freely for granted. 

“The world is increasingly volatile with rapidly changing global threats. In the footsteps of Bevin, our government will help ensure we have a strong NATO in this increasingly insecure world. 

“Our government’s first duty is to keep the country safe. That’s why we will increase defence spending and launch a Strategic Defence Review to ensure we have the capabilities needed to protect the UK now and in the future. The Review will also set out defence reforms to secure faster procurement and better value for money.”

Starmer has been joined on his first international trip as prime minister by his foreign secretary, defence secretary, and his minister for European relations.

The NATO summit began on Tuesday (9 July) and will end on Thursday (11 July).

US President Joe Biden has today pledged to provide Ukraine with five new strategic air defence systems to counter relentless Russian attacks.

Biden said the US would partner with Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania to donate Patriot missile batteries and other systems to aid Ukraine, amid growing civilian casualties in the conflict.