Starmer could face criticism from US and Nato allies over UK defense spending plans at Ankara summit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is heading to this week’s NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, under increasing pressure, with senior U.S. officials expressing displeasure at Britain’s defense spending plans and warning lagging alliance members that they must move faster on their commitments.The summit, scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, Türkiye, is expected to be one of Starmer’s last major international events as prime minister.Just days ago, the British government announced the Defense Investment Plan (DIP) on July 3, pledging an additional £15 billion for defence, while drawing criticism from some NATO allies over the pace of spending growth.Speaking ahead of the summit, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said some alliance members were not moving fast enough to boost defense spending.The Independent quoted Whittaker as saying: “Some allies have done more than others. Poland, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states are in the lead. But many others are lagging behind.”He added that US President Donald Trump wants all NATO members to meet the alliance’s 5% spending target “as soon as possible”.Although Whittaker did not name specific countries, it is understood that British officials believe that Washington views Britain as one of the countries that has failed to increase spending quickly enough.

UK spending plans face scrutiny

According to the Defense Investment Plan, UK defense spending is expected to gradually rise from approximately 2.6% of GDP in 2027 to 2.7% in 2030, and the government aims to reach 3% during the next parliamentary term.However, NATO members agreed at last year’s summit that the allies should strive to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on core defense by 2035, along with broader security-related investments to bring total spending to 5%.Critics argue that the UK’s current roadmap lacks sufficient urgency to deliver these ambitions.

On the issue of political transition

The summit also comes against a backdrop of uncertainty over Britain’s political leadership, with speculation that Andy Burnham could soon replace Starmer as prime minister.New Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis called on the next government to provide a clearer funding path to achieve NATO’s long-term spending targets, saying future spending reviews should show a reliable trajectory of 3.5% of GDP.Jarvis also said he has been in contact with Burnham’s team to discuss defense priorities and expressed confidence that sufficient resources will be provided if Burnham takes office.

Trump expected to ask questions directly

According to British media reports, Whitehall officials expect Trump to personally pressure Starmer on defense spending during the summit.A senior U.S. official said the U.S. president has made clear where he believes allies are underperforming and will communicate that directly, and any consequences will be communicated at that time.Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States bears a disproportionate share of NATO’s defense burden. Last week, he again criticized European allies, claiming that Washington was spending far more on the alliance than other members but getting limited returns.Diplomatic tensions coincide with heightened military activity in Northern Europe.The British Ministry of Defense said that Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II fighter jets recently intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft that repeatedly approached the Prince of Wales in the Norwegian Sea.The Russian aircraft flew at low altitude and deployed sonar equipment near the carrier before being escorted away by British aircraft, according to the Ministry of Defense.