Don’t assume the US will protect Europe, Healey to tell Nato allies
LABOUR will issue a blunt defence warning to European allies just days after forming a new government if it wins the General Election.
Sir Keir Starmer and his defence team face a baptism of fire at a Nato summit in Washington from July 9 to 11, less than a week after polling on July 4.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey would tell the alliance’s European members they must “do more of the heavy-lifting”, rather than assume the United States will protect them.
The event marks 75 years since the founding of Nato in 1949. But there will be little time to celebrate as the need to step up support for Ukraine and counter the threat from Russia tops the agenda.
Mr Healey promised that Labour’s commitment to Nato is “unshakeable”.
He added: “With war in Europe, next month’s Nato summit inwashington will not only mark 75 years since the alliance was founded but it must also meet the challenge of deterring wider threats.
“European allies will need to do more of the heavy-lifting in Nato to safeguard our security, which is why Labour is totally committed to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.THE last time the UK spent 2.5 per cent was when Labour was last in power.”
Alongside defence ministers, Nato summits are usually attended by presidents and prime ministers of the 32 member states.
It will provide an early opportunity for Sir Keir, if he becomes PM, to meet US President Joe Biden, although the time available for one-to-one meetings will be limited.
Tory Defence
Secretary Grant
Shapps has also committed to raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent.the budget for 2024/5 is £57.1billion, up from £54.2billion in 2023/4.
Nato countries must spend two per cent of GDP on defence but just 18, including the UK, are on track to do so.
US Presidential hopeful Donaldtrump has suggested the US might refuse to defend countries failing to hit the target. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says stepping up support for Ukraine will top the agenda. Last week, he said: “We need a firmer, stronger institutionalised structure for the support.
“Ad-hoc, short term, voluntary announcements are good but, in the long term, we need more predictable, stronger support for Ukraine.”