Pressure on PM's defence 'ambition'

THE UK is under pressure from Nato to increase defence spending beyond the “ambition” set by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

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Mr Starmer has committed to spend 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence from April 2027, with a goal of increasing that to 3% over the next parliament - a timetable which could stretch to 2034.

But Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte is thought to be pushing for allies to commit to spending 3.5% on the military, with a further 1.5% on defence-related measures as the alliance responds to Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine.

Leaders from the alliance will meet in The Hague later this month with the total 5% spending target by 2035 set to be on the table.