This is ‘probably one of the most alarming times for Britain’s defence since the second world war’, says Lib Dem leader Ed Davey as he calls for more spendingWe have more from Ed Davey’s interview on the Today programme.He said the prime minister would not be reflecting the views of the British people if he did not speak frankly with Donald Trump during an upcoming a visit to Washington.It is a very difficult visit there’s no doubt about that, but I do think you have to speak to your friends honestly and openly.The threat that Donald Trump poses to our economy and security is as serious as I can ever remember.I’ve never known a time like this, it is probably one of the most alarming times for Britain’s defence and security since the second world war, with our closest ally changing their position. So we have to debate it, it is going to be difficult.I don’t think there’s an easy solution, but we have put some ideas on the table. One idea we have put is to increase the digital services taxes, a tax on about 20 multinational companies with turnovers of over £500m and we would raise it from the current 2% to 10%.Foreign secretary David Lammy is in South Africa for the second day of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting.Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has pledged to do “whatever it takes” to tackle the “waiting times emergency” in the NHS.The Scottish Labour party conference runs until Sunday. Today’s speakers include Scottish secretary Ian Murray and Labour party leader Anas Sarwar Continue reading…
Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/feb/21/keir-starmer-defence-spending-david-lammy-g20-scottish-labour-party-conference-uk-politics-latest-updates-news
Author : Jane Clinton
Publish date : 2025-02-21 11:35:00
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Keir Starmer urged to ramp up defence spending – UK politics live
