Shadow Foreign Minister Wendy Morton has called on the Government to act on its defence spending promises after pledging £1.6billion to Ukraine defences.
Speaking to GB News, Morton urged ministers to move beyond the 2.5 per cent commitment toward 3 per cent.
Morton stressed that given the current global situation, particularly events in Ukraine, the Government needs to demonstrate concrete action.
"We want to see 2.5 per cent delivered, but it shouldn't be the base," Morton said.
Wendy Morton called on Starmer to focus on 'UK security' after pledging almost £2billion to Ukraine
PA / GB News
Morton highlighted the importance of European leaders coming together on Ukraine: "I think this is very much about the UK building on the work, the role that we've had in terms of Ukraine, the start of the war and even before that as very much as a close ally of Ukraine."
She also emphasised Britain's position "as a really strong ally of the US as well."
"This is about finding a way, a way forward," Morton added.
Morton called for greater transparency about recent summit agreements. "For shadow ministers like myself, for Her Majesty's opposition, we need a little bit more detail and a little bit more clarity about what was agreed at the summit," she said.
Morton emphasised that the situation concerns multiple security interests: "What we need to have is an understanding that this is about, yes, it's about the security and the sovereignty of Ukraine.
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Starmer announced a multi-billion-pound financing deal for the defence of Ukraine on SundayPA"It's also about the security of the UK and Europe and indeed, the US as well."
She stressed the interconnected nature of these security concerns as nations work together on the Ukraine crisis.
Morton called for a measured approach to the ongoing crisis. "It's really important that we actually stay calm, we keep our cool heads, but we're equally we're rational and pragmatic as the parties come together," she said.
She added: "[We need to] see if they can find that peace deal that I'm pretty certain that Zelensky wants, we want, and I'm sure Trump wants as well."
Morton told GB News that Britain should be aiming for '3 per cent' defence spend
GB News
On defence spending, Morton was clear about the need to exceed current targets: "We need to be looking at the 3 per cent."
"I think if you look at where we're at in the world, and what's happening in Ukraine," she explained, the case for increased defence investment is compelling.
Morton concluded with a call for immediate Government action on defence spending. "The main thing now is that we see action from the Government," she stated.
"We welcome that movement, but we now need to see action and we need to see delivery on this."
