Starmer to Strengthen NATO Ties at Ankara Summit
Keir Starmer will collaborate with European allies to reinforce support for NATO at the summit in Ankara on Tuesday, addressing concerns that US President Donald Trump could destabilize the military alliance with his criticisms regarding defence spending.
Downing Street stated that the prime minister and other international leaders will concentrate on "building a stronger and more European NATO" as they seek to respond to the US president’s concerns during the meeting in the Turkish capital.
UK Responds to US Criticism on Defence Spending
The UK government has rejected pointed criticism from the US ambassador to NATO, who claimed that "some allies are doing more than others." Trump is expected to criticize countries, including the UK, for insufficient progress toward the target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035.
"We reject these claims. The UK has always met its spending commitments and remains one of the top defence centres in the alliance," the prime minister’s official spokesperson told reporters, adding that Starmer is not expected to receive a "dressing down" from the US president.
Final International Trip for Starmer Amid Transition
The Ankara summit, anticipated to be Starmer’s last international trip as prime minister, may provide a final chance to mend relations with Trump before he steps down, following disagreements over the war with Iran. However, Whitehall officials have expressed concern that Starmer could be marginalized during the summit.
Starmer will travel to Ankara with fewer than two weeks remaining in his premiership, while Andy Burnham, the prime minister-designate, is engaged in transition discussions with the civil service in the UK. Starmer has faced criticism for delays in his defence investment plan.
UK’s Commitment to NATO Defence Spending
No 10 emphasized that the UK’s contribution to NATO, considered the cornerstone of national security, "will not waver," with defence spending projected to rise to 2.7% of GDP by 2027-28. However, there is no firm commitment to meet the 3% interim spending benchmark by the end of the decade.
"In a new era of threat … alongside our allies, the prime minister will be focused on building a stronger and more European NATO than ever before, ready to support Ukraine and face the long-term threat posed by an increasingly reckless and dangerous Russia," the spokesperson said.
Increased Russian Military Activity
Downing Street reported a surge in Russian military activity near NATO waters, noting a 30% increase in vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years. NATO has scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian aircraft approaching allied airspace more than 700 times.
"That’s why the UK is committed to building a stronger Europe within NATO – because the safety, stability and prosperity of our citizens depend on it," the spokesperson added.
Summit Meetings and Defence Spending Discussions
Trump will hold bilateral talks at the summit with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, among others, but is expected to meet Starmer only during main group sessions or on the sidelines of meetings.
Starmer and other European allies aim to communicate to Trump how spending pledges will be translated into action, emphasizing the need for "fairer burden sharing" within the alliance’s largest contributor.
The UK ranks as the third-largest contributor to NATO in real terms, behind the US and Germany, but is 14th out of 32 alliance countries in terms of defence spending as a percentage of GDP. UK officials indicated that several defence industry announcements, including joint projects with allies, will be made.
Trump’s Pressure on NATO Allies
Despite ongoing tensions with European partners and previous threats by Trump that the US might leave NATO entirely, he is expected to use the summit to "take stock" of other nations’ expanding defence capabilities and maintain pressure on them to meet the 5% spending target.
