Keir Starmer is heading for the US armed with a defence spending boost today as Western alliances hang in the balance.
The PM will fly to Washington as he braces for a crucial meeting tomorrow where he will urge Donald Trump to stand by Nato and Ukraine.
In a hopeful sign, Kyiv and America look to be on the brink of agreeing a deal to exploit mineral resources - which could encourage Mr Trump to maintain support.
Writing in the Mail, Sir Keir trumpeted his vow to hike military spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027.
The premier dismissed Labour complaints about slashing the foreign aid budget to fund the move, saying the world is entering an 'era of hard power' and capabilities had to be ramped up.