"Spend more on defence, or prepare to speak Russian"

The British people "had better start learning to speak Russian" if Sir Keir Starmer doesn't massively increase defence spending, the secretary general of NATO has warned.

The head of NATO, Mark Rutte said he was "very impressed" by the English Prime Minister's defence strategy, unveiled last week.

He called on NATO countries to set out a "credible path" to devote 5% of their national income to defence, given the growing threat posed by Russia.

Speaking at Chatham House in London, Mr Rutte said that it was not for him to decide whether the British government ought to consider tax increases to fund this commitment.

He added: "What I do know is that if we want to ensure the security of our societies... listen, if you don't do it, if you don't reach 5%, including the 3.5% basic spend on defence, you may still have the National Health Service, or in other countries their health systems, the pension system, etc. but you'd better start learning to speak Russian."

(MH with FM - Source: The Telegraph: Photo: © Unsplash)