London (Parliament News) – PM Rishi Sunak advocates for increased defence spending, urging NATO allies to match commitments. UK and Germany lead efforts to fortify European security amidst rising global threats, emphasizing collective defence initiatives.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has cautioned the world encounters a “dangerous moment” as he insisted European allies ramp up defence spending.
The Prime Minister revealed yesterday that he was putting the UK’s defence industry on a “war footing” as he devoted to hiking spending on defence to 2.5% of national output by 2030. The UK will put stress on NATO allies to match the commitment, increasing from the current 2% target. Only 11 members of the alliance fulfilled that goal in 2023.
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At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, the Prime Minister stated: “At this dangerous moment, the bond between our two nations is stronger than ever. We meet as a war rages on our continent and new threats are rising around the world.”
He complimented Mr Scholz on his leadership and taking the “historic decision” to improve Germany’s defence spending, which means it will complete the 2% target. “We stand here today together as the leading defence spenders in Europe,” he added.
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Mr Sunak expressed it was “entirely reasonable” for the United States to call for European leaders to expend more on defence after frequent criticisms from Donald Trump.
Questioned if he was persuaded of the Republican presidential candidate’s commitment to NATO, Mr Sunak stated: “We cannot expect Americans to pay any price, to take any burden if we in Europe are not ourselves prepared to make those sacrifices and make those investments.”
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The PM stated it was important for Europe to indicate a commitment to keep the US determined to the alliance.
Pushed on whether the plan would suggest cuts in other areas of public spending, Mr Sunak stated: “We are making a choice to prioritise defence with both of those findings and I believe that’s the right thing to do because whether we like it or not the world is more difficult now than at any moment since the Cold War and it falls on leaders whether that’s Olaf, whether that’s me to do what’s required to keep our mainland safe and stand up for our values.”
Earlier, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps conveyed the PM would use the NATO summit in Washington DC in July to push for other leaders to hit the 2.5% target. He informed Sky News: “We think in a more dangerous world that would make sense.”
It comes as Mr Sunak earned his first visit to Berlin in 18 months as Prime Minister. The leaders also revealed plans for a joint action to develop remote-controlled artillery firearms for armoured vehicles. The joint programme will design Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm Wheeled Artillery Systems for future ground warfare.