Nato: Starmer must commit to UK defence spending now | Global affairs | The New Statesman

At Nato there is "appetite" for the UK to play a more important role in world affairs under Keir Starmer, says Katie Stallard.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in Washinton DC for the Nato summit, where he is meeting with world leaders including Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Olaf Shölz of Germany, and US president Joe Biden. It's the new Prime Minister's first foreign visit since taking office last week.
The New Statesman's senior global affairs editor, Katie Stallard, joins Hannah Barnes on the New Statesman podcast to discuss how a Starmer government is being received around the world. She explains how Keir Starmer must commit to UK defence spending targets to ward off threats from Donald Trump, and why world leaders are viewing the new UK government with optimism.
Read more: Why foriegn affairs will define the Keir Starmer era.
www.newstatesman.com/internat...
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[@NewStatesman]

Watch next: Labour have a year to prove themselves - Andrew Marr kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYacq6SCj52ljZY

[@Squarepeg57]

Crikey the bot farms are busy! I thought the correspondent (whose name I missed) was great. Intelligent and insightful.

[@antlerman7644]

Agreed!

[@daes9401]

Read the information box under the video. Are you new to the internets?🙃 "The New Statesman's senior global affairs editor, Katie Stallard, joins Hannah Barnes on the New Statesman podcast to discuss..."

[@ianbooth3164]

Please do not seek to 'offer' anything to the world, let alone 'moral clarity'. Sort out the housing crisis, the NHS and the boat problem and we'll get reelected. The British people are rightly disinterested in the the obsessions of the London chattering-classes, and the idea of being 'less relevant' is totally irrelevant.

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

he's already going down the "election campaign loss"

[@hypeszskii7516]

💯

[@andybrice2711]

Yeah, this is one nationalist argument I think is fairly reasonable: That any government's main job should be to serve its own citizens. Before it goes off trying to solve the rest of the world's problems.

[@methanedirigible]

Ah yes - the cognitive dissonance of a simultaneous superiority _and_ inferiority complex. 👍

[@firstlast-tf3fq]

The UK exists in the world, not separate from it. To ignore the rest of the world is counterproductive in the long term.

[@user-ez8bx6ly8v]

Britain looks the most stable now that the adults are back in room.

[@sbowesuk981]

Although I appreciate that global wars are a very real issue right now, I fear that if we pour many billions into "defence", it'll mean that a) a huge amount of funding won't be spent fixing the critical issues at home, and b) it'll set a precedent where the British military-industrial complex expect and demand increased funding forever. We've all seen countries that lean increasingly into military defence, only to become reliant on warfare to prop up their economy. That's a very dark road to go down, and there's no coming back from it. Not saying the UK shouldn't be vigilant, but militarising an economy is almost always a road to hell.

[@peterclarke7240]

The critical issues at home will get a LOT more critical if we lose our strategic advantages overseas. Where do you think we get all our resources from that help pay for stuff at home?

[@capitaoprice6463]

Our economy is no where near good enough to have a military industrial complex. I mean realistically the only big defence company we have is BAE, whereas the US has multiple. There's a void where Britain can fill a leadership role in Europe in handling Russia, we just need to spend to become that leader.

[@peterclarke7240]

@@capitaoprice6463 Starmer is also looking at the very real possibility of an isolationist US president who admires our enemies. The sad reality is that we need to be prepared for a situation in which NATO, particularly the European NATO powers, will need to be operating without US support against Russia.

[@regarded9702]

Our government has no issue at all telling our military and military industrial complex to shove it when they ask for more funding. They have proven this over the last 30 years. I don't thinkit will be a problem.

[@capitaoprice6463]

@@peterclarke7240 In that scenario we must fill that gap, throw up the defence budget as a priority and take charge as the significant leader in Europe. I don't think it'll be the end of NATO if the Americans left (I don't think they will) but if they do, the void would be filled by us or France

[@bridget9396]

Wouldn't it be nice to hear our PM giving ironclad commitment to the citizens of the United Kingdom. To ensure diplomacy before war, ensuring money committed to war chests is redirected into rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure and building social cohesion.

[@bourjoism3917]

Weasels together…

[@user-gd1yg6le1h]

Yes Farage and club

[@kabl00muk94]

Rishi has become a nice person in opposition? Shame he couldnt do it before his party destroyed the uk and when it actually affected people eh? 👀😅

[@SAS-vx1jk]

Elite Globalists and world economic forum Agenda will ruin life as we know it and labour very happy to help

[@Jesuslovesus599]

Am i the only person that feels this conversation never really tackled the bones of global issues .how to say virtually nothing eloquently

[@ftftyffghfvghfcht6701]

whats the name of the woman sitting next to him in the picture?

[@rmk7641]

I must congratulate Ms. Katie Stallard on an impressive analysis of the foreign affairs topics so well articulated. What she is probably reluctant to say is that today's Britain is not really up to the challenges she faces on domestic as well as foreign fronts. Sometimes, to an outsider, it feels like the British are shooting themselves in the foot. The challenges are daunting enough without the self inflicted wounds. How can the major parties go through an election cycle, however brief, without discussing Brexit--however pragmatic that might seem from the point of view of wining the election. One has to wonder if the sun is finally setting on the British Isles too.

[@user-gl2wu2fs8h]

Come on! "Sweep your own porch first!"

[@peterclarke7240]

He HAS commited to UK NATO defence spending, but he can't put a timeframe on it becaue he needs to do a review to find out what he needs to spend the money ON. Good GRIEF. Have we seriously forgotten how good government is supposed to operate?!

[@stephfoxwell4620]

What the bejesus is moral clarity?

[@Myanmartiger921]

australia stealing timor leste oil and supporting papau genocide is moral clarity

[@mrD66M]

What is bejesus?

[@stephfoxwell4620]

@@mrD66M An informal Iriah expression of surprise.

[@FriendlyHomie]

Boris stopped any peace negotiations, and Starmer will do the same if not make the war worse.

[@consideredwhisper]

Explain your statement, please. On what are you basing this prediction?

[@FriendlyHomie]

@@consideredwhisper When Russia was planning a negotiation for peace, Boris went to Ukraine and made them stop any negotiations. Starmer is the same type of person, he's a liar, he defended a prolific kiddy predator, he's in it for himself like 99% of politicians, and just like Sunak, just like Boris.

[@FriendlyHomie]

@@consideredwhisper Boris also stopped investigations into historical child abuse in Parliament, Starmer defended Jimmy. That's all we need to know about these people. And know, people voted for them, be wary of those people.

[@consideredwhisper]

@@FriendlyHomie that is a very poor argument and blatantly untrue.

[@roseanncampbell3168]

​@@FriendlyHomiestarmer never defended Jimmy savile in any way. Her was a out to prosecute him and prince Charles ordered him to stop. He got Jimmy off because he was Charles best mate. Get you facts right

[@aa2far384]

Sorry, Keir Starmer can't do that, the job he's expected to do is to fix the country, offering morality clarity for someone who lost key labour constituencies for failing to produce that to them, not to talk about the world..... we're getting ahead of ourselves am afraid!

[@JonDingle]

Starmergeddon is fast approaching and it isn't going to be nice.

[@sbowesuk981]

Starmer has achieved more in 6 days than 14 years of twisted and self-serving Tory government. I'd bet whatever you think would be a better option right now, almost certainly wouldn't.

[@deanunio]

Please describe… otherwise it’s a meaningless comment you’ve made

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

Woman said "Center Left" lol.

[@lynnwalker9935]

The PM Needs to sort the uk out first and all the issues in this country thats the job of PM Not save the world

[@trs4u]

I thought we had some "moral clarity" with our support for Ukraine until "we want you to win!" How we ended up helping someone fight off invasion and then helping someone else invade isn't "morally clear" to me at all. How another government got in while suffering from the exact same "moral murkiness" is beyond me. Moral clarity is obviously not a deciding factor in elections?

[@iainmackenzieUK]

Fantastic reporting - many thanks both of you

[@arismei]

it’s ridiculous. Moral clarity? It’s a joke for terrorism?

[@andrewmallory3854]

What exactly is more spending on 'defence' meant to achieve? Who are we going to go to war with? Russia? Isn't that what Trident is for? Massive spending to aid Ukraine has not enabled them to defeat the Russian invasion.

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

Traitor.

[@dormoisjean-pierre1436]

The PRC comes up 6th among the UK's most relevant export markets, about as important as Switzerland (3.6% of total). Is there a perspective problem here?

[@UK75roger]

Leadership and example in promoting de escalation, neutrality, and peace might be more useful?

[@petemc5070]

Starmer taking his orders in the US right now like Blair did.

[@user-ez8bx6ly8v]

You can't promise military spending until you know your economy is growing we have to get our people out of their economic duldrums first health education quality of life get real money back in to their pockets ,

[@peteratkin3788]

Nato: Starmer must offer “moral clarity” ???

[@fahmad7194]

If Starmer can, he should pull the plug on the wars and focus on fixing the Britain that the Tories have broken

[@TheBindoner]

Moral clarity? From the "Israel has the right to..." guy? For to laugh.

[@Afterthoughtbtw]

So you are claiming that Israel don't have a right to defend themselves? Well, thanks for outing yourself as an immoral warmonger.

[@TheBindoner]

@@Afterthoughtbtw Hi, I was expecting you sooner. You do know that deliberate misunderstanding and misrepresentation to justify lazy slurs doesn't work any more, don't you? Well, keep throwing them around, inappropriate overuse helps diminish them. Have fun being an apologist for war-crimes while you can.

[@hughcaskey9542]

Someone preferably ten year old school kid please explain the meaning of moral clarity to starmer

[@aion5837]

New direction. Ha ha ha ha. Is this Children's Hour?

[@7th.trumpet]

That thumbnail of Starmer laughing and tiny action man.. Starmer-:"I allowed the worst pedo to get away with his crimes !" Action man-" I'm worth billions now, and my wife has has plenty of expensive shoes & handbags !".

[@roseanncampbell3168]

Nope, prince/king Charles ordered the prosecution to stop because Jimmy was Charles best mate. Facts are key

[@existentialvoid]

Is this delusional reporting? I speak with some authority here when I say: there is serious concern around a Labour government in the US. Firstly: it’s untested. 14 years of conservative politics is a lot of presidents. There was broad agreement on Middle East and Far East positions - which is much more central to the US than European security (widely seen as a European problem). Will a Starmer government maintain vigilance against Chinese economic warfare? Will there be a break with Israel and the defence contracts/information sharing there? These remain completely unknown to the US side. This needs to be cleared up. Secondly, Brexit is a done deal. It is seen as the worst economic own goal in recent memory. The Europeans are not interested in another round of negotiations, the US is not keen to sign a FTA. Any discussion of this will fall on deaf ears. Thirdly, the UK cannot afford a large conventional military. The US would like to see the UK specialise - probably in the Navy - and begin to operate like the Japanese do - with two carrier groups - one at sea at all times supporting the global order. Lastly, it’s a chance to get to know the guy. But really - because the US is in election mode - it’s not really a good time to make friends. Your reporter needs to go talk to people in the military and intelligence people rather than to other journalists.

[@ataboyboyboy8895]

Hahaha ….. 😂 best title ever. MORAL. Ahahahahaa. …..

[@EliteRock]

Don't expect anything but the usual slogans and ad-speak from your middle-management du jour.

[@basedsigma5634]

Moral clarity😂😂😂😂 Yeah ...right....

[@robertpodbery242]

War crime supporter and kid starver starmer is in no position to moralise about anything,, Not that being morally bankrupt has ever stopped war criminals preaching,, Look at T Blair , he makes starmer look like a amateur

[@user-kb2fh7ox5e]

So far be fair...

[@earthman6700]

Viktor Orban shows moral clarity on this. Is Starmer supporting him?

[@Myanmartiger921]

temor leste oil thieves

[@margaretmontague4489]

He will ruin this country, I'll give him 1 year. 😢

[@peterwilton9047]

A "timeline" is an historical chronology. What you mean is a *timetable*.

[@terencemichaels]

Moral clarity from Starmer? You're 'aving a larf, surely?

[@supersaintchristophe337]

Starmer and " moral " are not words that seem in any way compatible !

[@chriswatson3464]

Agreed 👍👍

[@tobiastrier]

What’s brought you to that conclusion?

[@chaosdesigner]

These stupid bots are getting really boring. Sort it out KZbin!

[@ianfraser6161]

Why?

[@chriswatson3464]

@@ianfraser6161 he lies and then he lies and then he lies. Think about his Brexit policies over the years, his statements on Corbyn, his 10 pledges or his views on other politicians. He likes politicians who worship him and toe the party line at all times. He should have won this election even more convincingly, the other parties destroyed themselves.

[@challyho2u244]

More posh words to confuse everybody

[@kbkirati8761]

Must be owned to avoid Ukraine and Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy. There are no end games 🎉

[@aileenhouston4486]

Starmer wouldn't know what morality means!!!!!

[@CountScarlioni]

And a farm troll employed for the explicit purpose of misinformation and deception does?

[@keithparker1346]

Moral clarity 😂 the guy said Israel had the right to cut off water and electricity to Palestinians...which is a war crime

[@CountScarlioni]

OK so here's the text of Labour's motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Please point to me the part in which Starmer says Israel has the right to cut off water and electricity because I'm finding it hard to see it... "That this House believes that an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and therefore must not take place; notes the intolerable loss of Palestinian life, the majority being women and children; condemns the terrorism of Hamas who continue to hold hostages; supports Australia, Canada and New Zealand’s calls for Hamas to release and return all hostages and for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which means an immediate stop to the fighting and a ceasefire that lasts and is observed by all sides, noting that Israel cannot be expected to cease fighting if Hamas continues with violence and that Israelis have the right to the assurance that the horror of 7th October cannot happen again; therefore supports diplomatic mediation efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire; demands that rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza; demands an end to settlement expansion and violence; urges Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures; calls for the UN Security Council to be meet urgently; and urges all international partners to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state, including working with international partners to recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to rather than outcome of that process, because statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour."

[@keithparker1346]

​@@CountScarlionitried multiple times to respond to your comment with FACTS but KZbin deleted it EVERY time. You're wrong

[@CountScarlioni]

@@keithparker1346 So you can't find the quote then? I see.

[@keithparker1346]

@@CountScarlioni no I've tried posting at least half a dozen times and KZbin has deleted every comment. Starmer clearly stated it when he was interviewed by Nick Ferrari on LBC

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

moral clarity = "bow down to islam"

[@BoiseLou]

Go on, drink more of the Western colonial Kool-Aid. UK Labor has subjected us to plenty of propagandist hatred and distrust of Islam over the years along with the USA State Department. The colonial ethnic hierarchy has always been fueled by propaganda based on whatever countries our governments wants to invade or control through Western hegemony.

[@ianfraser6161]

The UK needs to join CU and SM at the very least, in addition to the integration of its security into the security architecture of the EU.

[@trs4u]

The last thing anyone needs or wants is merchants running armies. We're already integrated with other European armies via NATO. The days of armed war directed by traders should remain in the distant past. We were well out of that when lead members of the club said "don't humiliate Putin" a couple of years ago - why would anyone want to be integrated with *that?!* Let commerce do what commerce does best, and keep the military well away from it.

[@keithparker1346]

No

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

The SM does not exist for the UK.

[@radicalrodriguez5912]

AHAHAHAHAHA He's not Jesus, you weirdos