NATO CHIEF CONFIDENT BURNHAM WILL MEET DEFENCE SPENDING TARGET

Mark Rutte, NATO's secretary general, stated he is confident that Andy Burnham, described as the likely successor to Keir Starmer as UK prime minister, will honour the alliance's long-term defence spending commitments. During a visit to London, Rutte said he did not expect the UK to reach NATO's target of spending 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035 "in one big step" when the government publishes its defence investment plan on Tuesday. Rutte said he believed Burnham would recognise the value of increasing UK defence spending by nearly £30bn annually. He added that Labour prime ministers had demonstrated "a consistent commitment to NATO" based on historical precedent.

Rutte argued that defence spending serves dual purposes: protecting the country and generating economic growth and employment. The comments come after John Healey resigned as defence secretary earlier this month, citing concerns that the UK was progressing too slowly towards the 3.5 per cent target. Healey's departure followed disagreement over Starmer's proposal to spend 2.68 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030, an increase of £2bn from current spending levels. On Monday, Rutte said he expected the UK to make "a considerable figure and money commitment" in the defence investment plan as progress towards the 3.5 per cent goal.

The government's 10-year defence investment plan encompasses more than £300bn in major projects. Rutte's remarks reflect NATO's focus on encouraging member states to increase military expenditure amid broader security concerns. The defence investment plan's publication on Tuesday will provide detail on the UK's intended spending trajectory over the coming decade.