Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said he is confident that Andy Burnham, expected to become the UK's next prime minister, will stick to the alliance's long-term defence spending commitments. During a visit to London, Rutte emphasized that rearmament can drive economic growth, a view aligned with Burnham's recent statements.
Rutte's Meeting with UK Leaders
Rutte spoke after meeting outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in Downing Street on Monday. He noted that he did not expect the UK to meet the Nato target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035 in one step, but believed Burnham would see the broader value in boosting spending by nearly £30bn annually.
“Judging from history, Labour prime ministers have shown a consistent commitment to Nato,” Rutte said. He added that defence spending serves two purposes: keeping the country safe and creating jobs.
Defence Spending Row and Resignation
A dispute over long-term defence spending led to the resignation of John Healey as defence secretary earlier this month. Healey argued that the UK was progressing too slowly toward the 3.5% target, after Starmer proposed spending only 2.68% by 2030—a £2bn increase from this year—leaving insufficient time to reach 3.5% by 2035, a target agreed at last year's Nato summit.
Rutte tactfully said he expected the UK's defence investment plan, due Tuesday, to include “a considerable figure and money commitment” as a step toward the 3.5% goal. The 10-year plan covers over £300bn in major projects, with a funding shortfall reportedly reduced from £18bn to less than £4bn after Jarvis secured an additional £1bn.
Economic Growth and Defence Investment
Rutte stressed that defence spending can stimulate economic growth, a message echoed by Burnham in a speech in Manchester. Burnham criticized UK public procurement policy for chasing cut-price deals globally, stating that “every pound raised from taxpayers will work harder for them, and that approach will apply fully to the defence investment plan.”
Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, said he did not expect a change in UK defence policy under Burnham, noting that the UK has historically lived up to its commitments. However, he pointed out that other countries, like Germany, are on a faster track, with Germany expected to meet its spending target six years ahead of schedule in 2029.
Thanks to Starmer and Nato Summit
Rutte thanked Starmer for his efforts in pushing Europe and the world to remain involved in Ukraine through military aid and diplomatic support. The Nato chief's visit came ahead of next week's Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey.
