Starmer: UK will reach 4.1% of GDP on defence and security in 2027
Sir Keir Starmer is now addressing the NATO summit at The Hague, beginning with a discussion of the conflict between Israel and Iran.
He says: "We need to make sure the ceasefire holds, and seize this opportunity to stabilise the region - and get Iran around the negotiating table with the US."
Ultimately, Starmer says, this is how "we will ensure" a complete end to Iran's nuclear programme.
The prime minister turns to Ukraine, pledging not to "lose focus" on the war with Russia - and the "rising threats to Euro-Atlantic security".
NATO will be 'more lethal than ever'
He says: "In the face of those threats, I've long argued that this is the moment to unite for Europe to make a fundamental shift in its posture, and for NATO to meet this challenge head on.
"And that is what we have done today, with the UK at the forefront.
"NATO allies have agreed a new defence investment pledge, raising defence and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, making NATO stronger, fairer and more lethal than ever."
For context: NATO powers have moved the goalposts somewhat regarding defence spending targets. The 5% of GDP target takes in security rather than just defence - so encompassing things like cyber and border security, rather than just traditional military kit. Only 2.6% out of that 4.1% will be on core defence.
Starmer sets out a timeline for this 5% target, with allies agreeing to "review this pledge in 2029".
"The new National Security Strategy sets out our plans and priorities across these areas," Starmer says, referring to the review published yesterday that warned the UK must prepare for a wartime scenario.
"Under the NATO new definitions, we estimate that we will reach at least 4.1% of GDP in 2027," he says.
Starmer has previously said the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, under the traditional definition, by that year.