Starmer says NATO stronger and more united after Ankara summit

3 min read

Leaders at the NATO summit in Ankara concluded with British prime minister Keir Starmer saying the alliance is "stronger and more united" despite public disputes and US criticism. US president Donald Trump praised the alliance spirit after earlier complaints about allies' defense spending, while NATO secretary general Mark Rutte urged members to present credible plans to reach a 5% of GDP spending goal. Starmer defended a functional working relationship with Trump and stressed the importance of UK-US cooperation for defense and intelligence. The summit also took place amid heightened US-Iran tensions, with calls for a ceasefire and warnings about wider instability.

NATO agreed unity while urging credible plans to meet 5% defense spending.