Keir Starmer will attend NATO's summit in Ankara on Tuesday to rally European allies around the military alliance amid growing anxiety over Donald Trump's threats regarding defence spending commitments.
Downing Street confirmed the British prime minister plans to emphasize the UK's commitment to defence expenditure while working with other European leaders to build what officials describe as "a stronger and more European NATO." The strategy directly addresses Trump's repeated criticism of NATO members who fail to meet the two percent GDP spending target on defence.
Trump has weaponized NATO burden-sharing as a political issue, suggesting the US could reduce its commitment to the alliance if European nations do not increase military spending. He has also hinted at conditional support for defending smaller NATO members, raising questions about the credibility of Article 5's collective defence guarantee.
Starmer's attendance signals Britain's intent to stabilize transatlantic security architecture ahead of potential shifts in US foreign policy. The UK currently meets NATO spending requirements, dedicating approximately 2.5 percent of GDP to defence. British officials hope that demonstrating European resolve on defence spending will preempt further Trump criticism and protect alliance unity.
The summit occurs at a volatile moment for NATO. France and other EU members face pressure to discuss European strategic autonomy and reduced reliance on American security guarantees. Trump's unpredictability has prompted discussions about whether Europe should develop independent military capabilities rather than depend solely on Washington's protection.
Starmer's diplomatic push reflects a broader British calculation. As Europe's second-largest defence spender after France, the UK occupies a bridging role between Washington and continental Europe. By highlighting British commitment and encouraging allies to increase spending, Starmer attempts to preserve transatlantic cohesion while demonstrating that NATO members take American concerns seriously.
The Ankara summit represents a test of whether European diplomacy can manage Trump's demands without fragmenting the alliance or triggering an arms