What's happened
UK ministers are calling for an immediate increase in defence spending to at least 2.5% of GDP, citing the need to strengthen military capabilities in the face of growing security threats. This comes as the armed forces minister, James Heappey, announces his resignation for personal reasons, and Latvia's foreign minister suggests considering conscription to deter Russian aggression.
Why it matters
The calls for increased defence spending highlight the urgency of addressing security threats and ensuring the UK's military readiness. The resignation of James Heappey adds a layer of complexity to the government's defence strategy, while the suggestion of conscription reflects the escalating tensions in Europe.
What the papers say
The Mirror and Sky News report on UK ministers' public calls for immediate increase in defence spending, contrasting with the resignation of armed forces minister James Heappey. The Independent covers Latvia's foreign minister's suggestion of conscription to deter Russian aggression.
How we got here
The UK is facing mounting pressure to bolster its defence capabilities amidst growing security threats. The debate around defence spending has intensified, with calls for immediate action to ensure the country's military readiness. The suggestion of conscription reflects concerns over potential Russian aggression and the need for a comprehensive defence strategy.
More on these topics
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt is a British politician serving as Member of Parliament for South West Surrey since 2005. A member of the Conservative Party, he served in the Cabinet from 2010 to 2019, most recently as Foreign Secretary from 2018 to 2019.
-
Anne-Marie Belinda Trevelyan is a British Conservative Party politician serving as Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth since 2021 and as the Member of Parliament for Berwick-upon-Tweed since 2015.
-
Grant Shapps is a British politician who has served as Secretary of State for Transport since 2019. Shapps also has Cabinet responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse.
-
In the United States, a political action committee is a 527 organization that pools campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation.