Ukraine-Russia war latest: Starmer hits out at ‘tyrant’ Putin and commits to UK defence spending boost
Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at “tyrants” like Russian President Vladimir Putin who “only respond to strength”, as he announced a hike in defence spending.
In a statement to parliament, the prime minister announced that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027.
Sir Keir told MPs: “One of the great lessons of our history is that instability in Europe will always wash up on our shores, and that tyrants like Putin only respond to strength.
“Russia is a menace in our waters, in our airspace and on our streets. They have launched cyber attacks on our NHS, only seven years ago a chemical weapons attack on the streets of Salisbury.
“We must stand by Ukraine, because if we do not achieve a lasting peace, then the economic instability are threats to our security, they will only grow.”
The increase in defence spending means £13.4 billion more on defence every year from 2027, according to the prime minister. Funding for intelligence and security services will bring total defence spending to 2.6% of GDP from 2027, he said.
