Starmer unlikely to unveil plan for rise in defence spending this week, says minister

Keir Starmer will not announce a timeline for increasing UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, as indicated by education secretary Bridget Phillipson. She described the target as ambitious, given the strained public finances, a situation attributed to the previous Conservative government. While acknowledging US pressure for European allies to enhance their defense spending, Phillipson stated that Labour intends to create a credible plan for achieving 2.5% spending, focusing on efficient resource allocation within a challenging financial landscape.

Bridget Phillipson emphasized the challenge of setting a definite timeline for increasing UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, blaming the financial state left by the Conservatives.

The education secretary expressed confidence that the government would develop a credible plan for defense spending, while acknowledging the ambitious nature of the 2.5% target in light of current public finances.

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