Nato chief to praise Britain’s ‘serious’ commitment to defence during UK visit

Britain’s investment in defence shows it is serious about security, and is an example of how Nato is becoming more European, the head of the alliance is expected to say as he meets with Andy Burnham.

During his visit to the UK, he is also expected to make a major speech about the future of the transatlantic alliance.

As he gives the Ditchley Foundation’s annual lecture in Oxfordshire, the Nato chief will praise the UK, describing it as “serious about security”.

“It is leading, along with Nato allies, the push back against Russia’s dangerous and reckless campaign against us,” Mr Rutte will say.

He will add: “Collectively we will continue to strengthen our ability to deter and defend all allies, against any threat. Nato will not be intimidated by Russia’s campaign of hostile actions. Russia wants to stop us helping Ukraine – but their actions will only lead us to do more for Ukraine. Russia’s actions are a sign of weakness, and a symptom of Putin’s failure in Ukraine.”

Elsewhere in his speech, Mr Rutte will address the changing nature of the military alliance.

Nato allies have agreed to hike their defence spending to 5% of economic output by 2035, amid burgeoning threats from Russia and China, and demands from Donald Trump’s America that European member states invest more in their own security.

Mr Rutte will say: “To stay transatlantic, Nato is becoming more European.  A Nato with Europe, and Canada, spending more, producing more, and doing more for their security. This is the idea of Nato 3.0.

“Building for the future. A stronger Europe, in a stronger Nato.”

The Government faces a challenge in how to hike defence spending to 5% over the next decade, as it grapples with rising borrowing costs cause by the US-Iran war, and multiple domestic pressures on the public finances.

But Mr Rutte will praise British efforts already underway to hike defence spending, which is expected to rise to around 2.7% of GDP by 2027.

“The UK is already investing more in defence. And I welcome the new Prime Minister’s assurance that his government will meet its Nato commitments,” he will say.