Starmer urged to set date for 2.5% defence spending

SIR Keir Starmer has been warned to set a timeline for increased defence spending ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump.

- By Katie Harris Senior Political Correspondent

The Prime Minister will sit down with the US President in Washington this Thursday amid a growing rift over the issue.

The Government has pledged to place 2.5% of national income on defence spending, but has not yet confirmed a date by which it expects to reach the target.

Shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois said: “The strategic defence review team submitted their conclusions to No 10 before Christmas and here we are, almost in March, and still no outcome.

“Labour should now publish the strategic defence review without further delay, including when exactly they will meet the 2.5% target they promised and what precisely they intend to spend the money on.