Wes Streeting, a senior UK government minister, has said that US President Donald Trump is correct to demand that European countries increase their defence spending. Streeting's comments come after Trump criticised European nations for relying too heavily on the United States for security. The US president has asked NATO allies to spend 5% of their GDP on defence by 2035.
"President Trump has called on Europe to carry a greater share of the burden for our own defence, and he is right to do so," Streeting said. He acknowledged that while the UK has been a leader in defence spending, more is needed in the current global climate.
The UK has committed £298 billion over the next four years to defence, including an additional £15 billion beyond the previous spending review. At the recent NATO summit, all member countries reaffirmed a target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035.
Streeting's remarks highlight the UK's support for Trump's stance, while emphasising Britain's own increased spending commitments. The debate over defence funding continues as NATO allies face pressure to meet higher targets.