Quotes
If America is not to stand behind its allies in the way the world has previously seen, then we are moving into a wholly different and in my view, rather more dangerous world.
And former Prime Minister Sir John Major said He is siding with the pariah state, with a war criminal, and he has been a Putin fan all along.”
I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never.”
This is the war in Ukraine, against us, and it’s our human losses.”
To ensure the UK is prepared to deal with the changing threat, our Budget increased defence spending by £2.9 billion for next year and we are committed to setting a path to 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said Unless Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves can find ways of producing more money, well beyond 2.5 per cent towards 3 per cent or 3.5 per cent for starters on our defence, then this Strategic Defence Review is going to be hollow, it’s going to be a failure and, frankly, it’ll consign Keir Starmer to the bin of history.
Labour stated in its manifesto a commitment to set a path to 2.5 per cent and that remains the policy of the Government.
We’ll do the Strategic Defence Review then set it out.
Asked if the announcement of the roadmap will now be sped up, the insider said I can say we’ve only ever hit that kind of defence spending under Labour governments
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds replied There is definitely, from the US administration, a view towards Europe and there's a slightly different view towards ourselves in the UK
He told BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg The Chancellor knows more than most people the pressures on public services across the board, but defence has to be the cornerstone of our national prosperity as well as our security
The whole cabinet, the whole government, I think most people in this country recognise the pressures the world is under, recognise more will have to be spent on defence.”
Their discussions may then continue in other formats, with the aim of bringing together all partners interested in peace and security in Europe.”
A statement from the French added But 2.65% of GDP isn’t enough, especially if it’s not to be delivered until early 2030s. This will only maintain current force structures - way more needed to grow them.”
As I wrote in the Express a few days ago, if increasing defence spending was urgent before Munich, it’s critical now. We simply cannot wait any longer for confirmation of a sustained funding increase, so that the Ministry of Defence can place the orders for new munitions and kit that should have been placed months ago.”
Europe itself is going to have to make a greater contribution to defence. The US is obviously going to be looking very much at the Pacific, and wants to share some of the burden. It's too early to start talking about divisions between allies."
This is a once-in-a-generation moment for our national security where we engage with the reality of the world today and the threat we face from Russia
Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement.
A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin
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