Trump has repeatedly urged Nato members to spend more on their defence, accusing European countries of free-riding on America.
In February, he said he would let Russia “do whatever the hell they want” to Nato countries that did not spend enough on defence.
Nato countries are expected to spend 2% of their national income on defence. At the moment 23 countries – including the UK – meet the target, compared to just six in 2021.
The Labour government has committed to increasing spending from 2.3% to 2.5% – but has not set a date for hitting the figure.
Jones said the government would not commit to a deadline until it had completed its strategic defence review.
The review – led by former Labour minister and Nato head George Robertson – is examining how the defence budget is spent. It is due to be completed in the spring.
Jones did not say if the 2.5% target would be met within the current Parliament which can run until 2029.
In their manifesto, the Conservatives said they wanted to get to 2.5% by 2030.
Asked if her party would accept cuts elsewhere in order to meet 2.5%, Dame Priti said there were “efficiencies” that could be made as well as changes around the “performance of the civil service”.
She added that the government “could have done more in that Budget to put the pathway forward for 2.5% of GDP on defence”.
Source:
www.bbc.com
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