Wes Streeting Announces Major UK Defence Spending Increase

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned that Russia and President Vladimir Putin represent the biggest threat to Britain, stating the country faces a greater risk of war than at any point in his lifetime. Speaking ahead of the Labour conference, Streeting characterized Putin as having imperialist ambitions and constantly testing NATO and British defences. To counter these threats, the UK government is preparing the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, aiming for a target of 3.5% by 2035.

Streeting further addressed a recent security plot within Britain, thanking security services for their vigilance. While he declined to provide specific details on the ongoing investigation, he stated that the Iranian regime poses a threat to the United Kingdom, its interests, and its allies. He emphasized that the UK will work with friends to repel attempts by Iranian or Iranian-backed agents to cause harm.

These security warnings follow allegations by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson that Russia attempted to bomb a train he was aboard near the Polish-Ukrainian border. Streeting defended Chancellor John Healy's fiscal discipline while pledging a credible path to meet NATO obligations in the upcoming budget and spending review. He also highlighted the importance of the UK's intelligence relationship with the United States, specifically regarding the use of RAF Fairford to support US operations.