Starmer to Publish Defense Plan Before NATO Summit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that he will publish the government's defense investment plan ahead of the alliance's summit in Ankara next month, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

In a phone call on Saturday, Starmer and Rutte agreed that allies must strengthen collective defense and act faster in response to common and evolving threats.

The call followed mounting political pressure on Starmer after Defense Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, accusing Starmer of failing to commit the resources needed to protect Britain from growing threats.

"The NATO Secretary General welcomed the UK's increased investment in defense as an important contribution to the alliance and to meeting the threats we face", the spokesman said.

The NATO summit in Ankara is scheduled for 7 and 8 July. Britain's defense investment plan had been due for publication last year.

Starmer also reiterated his aim to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP in the next parliament and said national security remained the government's top priority, even if tough budget decisions were required.

(reuters, luc)