US warns Starmer it is 'important' to hit new Nato target for spending

The US has warned Keir Starmer that it is 'important' the UK hits Nato's proposed new defence spending target.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the message as he met ministers from the military alliance in Brussels.

After pressure from Donald Trump, states are expected to be asked to agree to commit 3.5 per cent of GDP by the 2030s at a summit later this month. A further 1.5 per cent would be required for defence-related measures.

However, there are questions about how the UK would fund such a huge increase - equivalent to tens of billions of pounds a year.

Britain allocated 2.33 per cent of GDP to defence last year, and Sir Keir has committed to reaching 2.5 per cent by April 2027.