British minister changes tune on Trump's bold NATO spending plan
British Foreign Minister backs ex-president Trumps call for higher NATO defense spending‚ marking shift from past criticism. UK plans to raise its contribution while supporting Ukraineʼs NATO future
At NATOʼs Brussels HQ this wednesday David Lammy expressed support for Donald Trumpʼs push to increase alliance members defense spending; stating that the current 2% GDP target needs re-thinking
The British foreign minister (whos Labour party took power last summer) pointed out that UK is moving towards 2‚5% GDP spending on defense: while acknowledging that times have become more demanding than when initial targets were set. Around 23 members out of 32 in the alliance will reach basic spending goals this yr
This stance marks a notable shift for Lammy - who had different views on Trump back in 2018. After the recent US elections heʼs shown more openness to cooperation saying they could find common-ground on key issues
- Current NATO spending target: 2% of GDP
- UKʼs planned increase: 2.5%
- Trumpʼs proposed target: 3%
- Members meeting target: 23 out of 32
On Ukraineʼs future Lammy didnt hold back: “Ukraineʼs rightful place is within the NATO family and we in the United Kingdom are very very supportive of that endeavour“. He also expressed doubt about Putinʼs willingness to talk noting thereʼs no signs of negotiation readiness from Moscow
