Shadow Home Office Minister Alicia Kearns has called for increased defence spending amid Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's latest pledge to Ukraine.
Speaking to GB News, Kearns highlighted that current spending stands at around 2.3 per cent of GDP, emphasising the need to reach a 2.5 per cent target.
"We had a very clear plan for how we would get to 2.5 per cent," she told Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello during their Breakfast programme.
The minister drew comparisons with US defence spending, which she noted is approximately 3.4 per cent.
Alicia Kearns claimed that the Prime Minister's pledge for troops is 'premature'
PA / GB News
"There is a clear threat to us. There is still war in Europe, and we have to make sure that we at home are safe. That is our responsibility as a British Government," Kearns said.
She stressed that defence spending increases were particularly important given potential plans for overseas troop deployments.
Kearns emphasised the importance of balancing domestic defence with overseas operations.
She highlighted that the current focus has been on the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy "because that's what protects our home shores".
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The Prime Minister is set to deploy British troops to Ukraine to help in their war against Russia
PAThe Shadow Minister indicated that any new overseas deployments would require a shift in investment priorities.
"That would mean more investment in our army, whereas at the moment we've been focused on our RAF and our navy," she explained.
Addressing the situation in Ukraine, Kearns expressed doubt about immediate British troop deployment.
"I don't think he is. I think this announcement is slightly premature," she said, referring to speculation about the Prime Minister's intentions.
Kearns told GB News that there is a 'clear threat' to the UK
GB News
The Shadow Minister highlighted recent Russian advances in the conflict. "Unfortunately, Russia has taken 600 kilometres more territory from Ukraine," she noted.
Kearns warned against accepting a simple cessation of hostilities.
"We need a deal that ensures Europe is safe from this imperialist terrorist state that we see from Russia, but that means investment in defence spending."
She added that defence investment should be "the heart of the discussion today".
