What's happened
Rishi Sunak intervened in a NATO press conference, blocking the NATO chief from commenting on UK's defence commitments in relation to the upcoming general election. He also pledged to increase Britain's defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, costing taxpayers £75bn over six years. Additionally, Sunak visited Germany to strengthen defence and security ties with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Why it matters
Rishi Sunak's actions have significant implications for UK defence policy and its relationship with NATO. His pledge to increase defence spending underscores a commitment to national security, while his intervention in the press conference highlights the intersection of defence, politics, and international relations.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on Sunak's pledge to boost defence spending and his intervention in the NATO press conference, emphasizing the political implications of these actions. The Mirror focuses on the tense exchange between Sunak and the NATO chief, highlighting the potential impact on UK's defence commitments and the upcoming general election.
How we got here
Rishi Sunak's visit to Germany and his pledge to increase defence spending come amidst growing concerns about global security threats. The UK's defence policy has been a key focus in light of geopolitical tensions and the upcoming general election, shaping discussions around national security and defence preparedness.
Common question
More on these topics
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Jens Stoltenberg is a Norwegian politician who has been serving as the 13th secretary general of NATO since 2014. A member of the Labour Party, he was Prime Minister of Norway from 2000 to 2001 and from 2005 to 2013.