Starmer tells Rutte UK will publish defense plan before NATO July summit

LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Saturday he would publish the government’s defense investment plan before the alliance’s summit in Ankara next month, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

In a call earlier on Saturday, Starmer and Rutte agreed allies must strengthen collective defense and deliver more quickly in response to shared and evolving threats.

The call follows mounting political pressure on Starmer after John Healey resigned as defense minister on Thursday, accusing Starmer of failing to commit the resources that are needed to keep Britain safe from mounting threats. 

“The prime minister updated on plans for the defense investment plan, underlining his commitment to publish it ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“The NATO Secretary General welcomed the UK’s increased investment in defense as an important contribution to the alliance and to meeting the threats we face,” the spokesperson added.

The NATO summit in Ankara is scheduled for July 7-8. Britain’s defense investment plan had been due last year. 

Starmer also reiterated his aim to raise defense spending to 3% of GDP in the next parliament, and said national security remained the government’s top priority even as it makes difficult budget choices.

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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 11:10 AM.