Spending 2.5% of GDP on defence ‘ambitious,’ Cabinet minister says

Bridget Phillipson said raising defence spending to 2.5% would be ‘ambitious’ (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) - (PA Media)

Raising UK defence spending to 2.5% of national income is “ambitious”, a Cabinet minister has insisted as the Government faces pressure to increase investment amid uncertainty over the future of the war in Ukraine.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson sought to manage expectations ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the US as Washington demands European allies shoulder the overwhelming share of the burden of security on the continent.