Prime Minister's remarks at NATO

The Prime Minister's remarks at NATO today...

"Good afternoon.

It has been UK policy for decades…

That Iran can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.

Over the weekend, the US moved to alleviate that threat.

Now we need to make sure that the ceasefire holds…

And seize this opportunity to stabilise the region…  

And get Iran back around the negotiating table with the US.

Ultimately, this is how we will ensure…

A complete, verifiable and irreversible end to Iran's nuclear program.

And we're using every diplomatic lever to support this effort.

I am in close contact with leaders across the region.

And yesterday I spoke to the Amir of Qatar –

To express our solidarity…

After Iran's reckless attack on the Al-Udeid base.

While we work to lower the temperature in the Middle East,

We will not, for a moment, lose focus on Ukraine –

Whose people endured further Russian strikes overnight.

Nor will we lose focus on the rising threats to Euro-Atlantic security.

In the face of those threats…

I've long argued –

That this is the moment to unite…

For Europe to make a fundamental shift in its posture…

And for NATO to meet this challenge head on.

And that is what we have done today.

With the UK at the forefront…

NATO allies have agreed to a new defence investment pledge...

Raising defence and security spending –

To 5% of GDP by 2035 –

Making NATO stronger, fairer and more lethal than ever.

This includes military spending…

As well as vital investments in our security and resilience –

Like protecting our cyber security and our energy networks.

Allies also agreed that because the threats are constantly evolving, we will review this pledge in 2029.

The new National Security Strategy sets out our plans and priorities across these areas.

And so under the NATO's new definitions…

We estimate that we will reach at least 4.1% of GDP in 2027,

Keeping the British people safe –

And strengthening our leadership in NATO even further.

This summit has sent a decisive message to aggressors.

And that must be matched by our commitment to Ukraine.

And that's why I have announced this week…

That the UK is providing hundreds more air defence missiles to protect the Ukrainian people…

Paid for, not by the British taxpayer –  

But with money from frozen Russian assets.

Last year, NATO Allies pledged 40 billion euros…

Of military aid for Ukraine.

This year, Europe, Canada and our Indo-Pacific partners…

Will match that 40 billion commitment again for 2025.

We're no longer just talking about burden sharing –

We're delivering it – in every area.

And now we must seize the opportunity this creates…

To use this investment as a job-creating machine –

To renew our country…

Making working people better off…

And strengthen our security at the same time.

So today, as the latest in a series of new investments…

I can announce that we will procure at least 12 F-35A fast jets –

And we will make these UK aircraft available to bear nuclear weapons if necessary.

Our continuous-at-sea deterrent has long been declared to  NATO alliance –  

And with this announcement we're going further – in response to growing nuclear threats.

It marks the return of the RAF to nuclear deterrence…

For the first time in three decades –

Representing the biggest strengthening of our deterrence posture in a generation…

And it will support no less than 20,000 jobs across the UK.

Our commitment to NATO is unshakeable…

And so is our determination…

That greater security for our country –  

Must go hand-in-hand…

With better lives for working people.

Thank you"