6 h. ago Trump arrives in Europe for annual Nato summit after Rutte praises his ‘decisive action in Iran’ – live updates

US president arrives in Amsterdam, where he is expected to take victory lap over apparent conclusion of Israel-Iran conflictIt’s Richard Luscombe in the US taking over from my colleague Tom Ambrose, and I’ll be here to guide you through the day’s political developments.The conflict consuming Israel and Iran is dominating headlines, and you can follow happenings in our Middle East crisis liveblog here.Right now, the bill is held together with happy thoughts and spit. I think we’ll eventually pass something, I just can’t tell you when. Continue reading...

Politics

10 h. ago Nato chief Rutte praises Trump for making Europe ‘pay in a BIG way’

US president releases flattering message that also hails ‘truly extraordinary’ Iran strikes

Politics

10 h. ago Nato’s Mark Rutte praises Donald Trump for making Europe ‘pay in a BIG way’

US president releases flattering message from secretary-general that also hails ‘truly extraordinary’ Iran strikes

Politics

1 week ago UK yet to commit to Nato plan for rise in defence spending to 3.5% of GDP

Nato chief Mark Rutte wants members to agree to plan at summit later this month but UK remains cautiousBritain has still not committed to agreeing an increase in defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by the mid-2030s at the Nato summit later this month in line with a proposal from the alliance secretary general, Mark Rutte, defence sources said.Though Rutte visited Downing St on Monday and the Nato chief expressed confidence in a speech in London afterwards that countries would sign up, senior insiders complained that Britain was still dragging its heels over the issue. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Nato chief Mark Rutte warns UK must spend more on defence or ‘learn to speak Russian’

Nato needs a 400% increase in air and missile defence, Mr Rutte says, warning Russia could be ready to use force against it within five years

Events

2 w. ago NATO chief Rutte calls for 400% increase in the alliance's air and missile defense

The head of NATO plans to say the military alliance needs to increase its air and missile defenses by 400% to counter the threat from Russia

Events

2 w. ago Rutte to meet PM as Nato chief says ‘quantum leap’ in defence needed

The secretary general of the military bloc is expected to say Nato must ‘become a stronger, fairer and more lethal alliance’.

Politics

3 w. ago Nato to force UK to lift defence spending to 3.5% of GDP to appease Trump, say sources

Starmer bound to accept Mark Rutte’s higher target after announcing ‘Nato-first’ defence strategy, insiders sayDefence sources believe that Britain will be forced to sign up to a target of lifting defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 at this month’s Nato summit after a campaign by the alliance’s secretary general to keep Donald Trump onboard.One senior insider said Britain would “without a doubt” sign up to a proposal from the Nato chief, Mark Rutte, to lift allies’ defence spending, which would represent a real-terms increase of about £30bn from the Labour government’s plan. Continue reading...

Politics