3 h. ago 'At this once in a generation moment, we must step up on defence and security'

Deputy PM Angela Rayner said tough choices meant the overseas aid budget had to be cut - but vowed 'this government will do everything we can to return to a world where that is not the case'

Events

5 h. ago Starmer announces big cut to UK aid budget to boost defence spending

PM confirms rise in military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 – three years earlier than plannedUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has announced drastic cuts to Britain’s international aid budget to help pay for a major increase in defence spending, amid fears over Donald Trump’s commitment to European security.The prime minister said the UK government would increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 – three years earlier than planned – as he prepared for what is likely to be a diplomatically fraught visit to Washington DC this week. Continue reading...

Economics

5 h. ago Banks and defence stocks help lift FTSE 100 after Starmer ups security spending

The blue-chip index gained 9.69 points, or 0.11%, to close at 8,668.67.

Economics

10 h. ago Starmer to make surprise announcement on ‘defence and security’ in Commons, ahead of meeting with Trump – UK politics live

Starmer is to give a statement to MPs at 12.30pm the Commons authories have announcedThe rightwing historian Niall Ferguson is in the audience for Badenoch’s speech, according to James Heale from the Spectator.Niall Ferguson spotted at Kemi Badenoch’s big speech on foreign affairs hearing we might get some policy tooTractors’ horns interrupt Badenoch’s speech shortly after she begins speaking. Attendant spinner heard swearing furiously Continue reading...

Politics

10 h. ago Keir Starmer 'will pledge to boost defence spending' in statement to MPs TODAY amid mounting fears about 'mission impossible' trip to White House

Keir Starmer will make a statement on 'defence and security' amid mounting concerns that he is facing mission impossible at the White House.

Events

10 h. ago BREAKING: Watch live as Keir Starmer gives major update on defence and security

The Prime Minister is making a rare statement to the Commons about defence and security amid growing calls to ramp up spending due to the crisis in Ukraine and Donald Trump's interventions

Events

28 h. ago Jeremy Hunt says welfare cuts would let Starmer commit to 3% defence spend now

Mr Hunt said the UK raising defence spending to match the US relative to GDP would secure the future of Ukraine and of Nato.

Economics

57 h. ago Starmer backs Trump’s calls for Nato allies to boost defence spending in stirring speech ahead of US visit

Ahead of a meeting with the US president, Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and Europe ‘have to do more for our defence and security’

Politics

4 d. ago Keir Starmer urged to ramp up defence spending – UK politics live

This is ‘probably one of the most alarming times for Britain’s defence since the second world war’, says Lib Dem leader Ed Davey as he calls for more spendingHello and welcome to our rolling coverage of UK politics.The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has said the government must swiftly ramp up defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).I’ve never known a time like this, it is probably one of the most alarming times for Britain’s defence and security since the second world war, with our closest ally changing their position. So we have to debate it, it is going to be difficult.I don’t think there’s an easy solution, but we have put some ideas on the table. One idea we have put is to increase the digital services taxes, a tax on about 20 multinational companies with turnovers of over £500m and we would raise it from the current 2% to 10%.Foreign secretary David Lammy is in South Africa for the second day of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting.Scottish Labour leader Anas ...

Politics

6 d. ago Defence Secretary to meet Norwegian counterpart amid security turmoil in Europe

John Healey’s trip comes amid American calls for Nato allies to ramp up defence spending.

Events

7 d. ago Healey: Decisions made in weeks ahead will define world security for generation

The Defence Secretary said details of a US security guarantee for Ukraine are ‘being developed’ as US and Russian officials meet in Saudi Arabia.

Events

8 d. ago US must provide ‘backstop’ to deter Russia, PM says after talks on Ukraine

Prime Minister says allies across Europe must “take responsibility” for continent’s security by bolstering defence

Politics

8 d. ago ANDREW NEIL: This is a watershed in Europe's history. For decades we have lavished billions on welfare and sent the bill for our defence to America

President Macron will host an emergency summit of European leaders in Paris today in an attempt to marshal a united response to the defence and security crisis now engulfing Europe.

Economics