As tensions simmer within the military alliance, Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarks on a critical mission to rally European support for NATO at the upcoming summit in Ankara. The visit comes amidst growing concern that US President Donald Trump's renewed criticism over defence spending commitments may further destabilise the organisation. This high-stakes diplomacy will be Starmer's final international engagement before his departure from office, underscoring the significance of this mission.
Downing Street has indicated that the Prime Minister and other European leaders will focus on bolstering a "stronger and more European NATO," aiming to address President Trump's long-standing concerns regarding member states' contributions. The UK government has pushed back against recent critiques from the US Ambassador to NATO, who suggested that "some allies are doing more than others." While President Trump is expected to press nations, including the UK, on progress towards a 3.5% GDP defence spending target by 2035, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that they "reject these claims" and do not anticipate Starmer receiving a "dressing down."
The UK currently ranks as the third-largest contributor to NATO in real terms, behind only the US and Germany. However, when measured as a percentage of GDP, the UK stands 14th among the 32 alliance members. Downing Street maintains that the UK's commitment to NATO, regarded as a cornerstone of national security, "will not waver." The government has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.7% of GDP by 2027-28, although a firm commitment to an interim 3% benchmark by the end of the decade is not yet in place.
As officials in Whitehall grow increasingly concerned that Starmer could be marginalised at the summit, particularly given his limited time left in office and past disagreements with Trump over the conflict with Iran, the Prime Minister and other European leaders intend to present a united front. They will detail how spending pledges will translate into tangible action and advocate for "fairer burden sharing" across the alliance.
The context for these discussions is a perceived rise in global threats, particularly from Russia. Downing Street reported a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years, alongside over 700 instances of NATO scrambling fighter jets to intercept Russian aircraft near allied airspace. The Prime Minister's spokesperson emphasised, "In a new era of threat… alongside our allies, the prime minister will be focused on building a stronger and more European Nato than ever before, ready to support Ukraine and face the long-term threat posed by an increasingly reckless and dangerous Russia."
Despite previous threats from President Trump regarding potential US withdrawal from NATO, he is expected to use the summit to assess the alliance's willingness to address his concerns. The UK government has underscored its commitment to NATO, stating that any perceived differences between London and Washington are a result of differing perspectives on defence spending rather than a fundamental disagreement over the alliance's purpose.