NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will make his second trip to Downing Street on Monday, during which Number 10 insists Starmer will demand Europe “ steps up ” on defence spending. All while the government ducks and weaves questions over reaching a 3.5% commitment at home…

The Downing Street spokesman said today:

“ The Prime Minister has been clear that Europe must step up on security… the Prime Minister will raise how we can ensure how all allies meet their shared pledges… allies must step up. The UK is already the third largest spender in NATO .”

When asked directly whether the UK will indeed push defence spending up to 3.5% of GDP, Downing Street again dodged the question – instead pointing out they have confirmed a push to 2.5% by 2027, and claimed allies must also “ step up.

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