“p up for our kingdom will always stand up for our interests, deter our enemies and defend our values. it is my enormous pleasure to introducejens stoltenberg, the need to secretary general. —— nato secretary general. it is great to be here in holland together— it is great to be here in holland together with you today. the united kingdom _ together with you today. the united kingdom is highly valued and staunch and essential nato ally, contributing greatly to our shared security— contributing greatly to our shared security in — contributing greatly to our shared security in so many different ways. you lead _ security in so many different ways. you lead nato forces in estonia, over_ you lead nato forces in estonia, over our— you lead nato forces in estonia, over our eastern flank, the royal navy— over our eastern flank, the royal navy helps keep critical sea lanes open _ navy helps keep critical sea lanes open the — navy helps keep critical sea lanes open. the united kingdom is also at the centre _ open. the united kingdom is also at the centre of the exercise steadfast defender, _ the centre of the exercise steadfast defender, currently under way and involving _ defender, currently under way and involving more than 16,000 british military— involving more than 16,000 british

military personnel. and we are today here in— military personnel. and we are today here in poland with british troops, a monument of your commitment to nato, _ a monument of your commitment to nato, so _ a monument of your commitment to nato, so thank you to all of you. prime _ nato, so thank you to all of you. prime minister, your announcement today— prime minister, your announcement today confirms the vital role the uk plays _ today confirms the vital role the uk plays in _ today confirms the vital role the uk plays in our— today confirms the vital role the uk plays in our alliance. the united kingdom — plays in our alliance. the united kingdom will spend 2.5% of gdp on defence _ kingdom will spend 2.5% of gdp on defence by 2030, allies agreed at a summit— defence by 2030, allies agreed at a summit last year that 2% is the minimum _ summit last year that 2% is the minimum. and once again the uk is leading— minimum. and once again the uk is leading by— minimum. and once again the uk is leading by example. just as you did in 2014. _ leading by example. just as you did in 2014, after the illegal annexation of crimea when you're at one of— annexation of crimea when you're at one of the _ annexation of crimea when you're at one of the first allies to provide training — one of the first allies to provide training and military support to ukraine — training and military support to ukraine. and after the full scale invasion— ukraine. and after the full scale invasion in— ukraine. and after the full scale invasion in 2022, he stepped up

significantly, training thousands of ukrainian — significantly, training thousands of ukrainian soldiers and providing bitiions — ukrainian soldiers and providing billions of— ukrainian soldiers and providing billions of pounds of military assistance. and today your announcement of additional support, including _ announcement of additional support, including more ammunition, air defence — including more ammunition, air defence and strike abilities, shows once again — defence and strike abilities, shows once again the british people's commitment to ukraine. i welcome your commitment to continue these levels _ your commitment to continue these levels of— your commitment to continue these levels of support to ukraine as —— for as— levels of support to ukraine as —— for as long — levels of support to ukraine as —— for as long as needed. nato, we are addressing — for as long as needed. nato, we are addressing how to put our support for ukraine — addressing how to put our support for ukraine on a more robust and footing. — for ukraine on a more robust and footing, including with a multi—year financial— footing, including with a multi—year financial commitment. so, prime minister. — financial commitment. so, prime minister, your commitment sets us on the right— minister, your commitment sets us on the right direction. i also welcome

that other— the right direction. i also welcome that other allies are taking action, not least — that other allies are taking action, not least poland, which provides key capabilities to ukraine and host1 miition _ capabilities to ukraine and host1 million ukrainian refugees. over the weekend _ million ukrainian refugees. over the weekend the us house representatives approved _ weekend the us house representatives approved a major aid package for ukraine, — approved a major aid package for ukraine, this will enable the us to provide _ ukraine, this will enable the us to provide substantial additional support— provide substantial additional support to ukraine quickly. and last friday— support to ukraine quickly. and last friday nato defence ministers agreed to further— friday nato defence ministers agreed to further bolster ukraine's air defences _ to further bolster ukraine's air defences. germany's delivery of another— defences. germany's delivery of another patriot system, and other allies— another patriot system, and other allies made commitments in that nato meeting _ allies made commitments in that nato meeting with deliveries expected soon~ _ meeting with deliveries expected soon. faced with the biggest confiict — soon. faced with the biggest conflict of the european continent since _ conflict of the european continent since the — conflict of the european continent since the second world war, our decisions — since the second world war, our decisions today will have consequences for generations to come _ consequences for generations to come we — consequences for generations to come. we must not falter. we live any more —

come. we must not falter. we live any more dangerous world, authoritarian powers are increasingly aligned, russia is receiving _ increasingly aligned, russia is receiving support in its war of aggression from china, iran and north— aggression from china, iran and north korea. this reminds us that security— north korea. this reminds us that security is— north korea. this reminds us that security is not regional, security is giohat — security is not regional, security is global. and we must work with like—minded partners around the world _ like—minded partners around the world to — like—minded partners around the world to preserve and protect transatlantic security. nato is a defensive — transatlantic security. nato is a defensive alliance, we do not seek confiict _ defensive alliance, we do not seek conflict with russia, but we will keep _ conflict with russia, but we will keep our— conflict with russia, but we will keep our 1 — conflict with russia, but we will keep our1 billion people safe. the 10,000 _ keep our1 billion people safe. the 10,000 nato troops based in poland sent an _ 10,000 nato troops based in poland sent an unmistakable message that nato wiii— sent an unmistakable message that nato will protect and defend all aiiies. — nato will protect and defend all aiiies. so— nato will protect and defend all allies, so thank you again for the uk's _ allies, so thank you again for the uk's contributions to nato. thank you _ uk's contributions to nato. thank you can— uk's contributions to nato. thank you can we — uk's contributions to nato. thank you. can we take some questions from the media? _ you. can we take some questions from the media? we will start with itv.

ever since — the media? we will start with itv. ever since the cold war ended, we have _ ever since the cold war ended, we have enjoyed — ever since the cold war ended, we have enjoyed what _ ever since the cold war ended, we have enjoyed what was _ ever since the cold war ended, we have enjoyed what was known - ever since the cold war ended, we have enjoyed what was known as l ever since the cold war ended, we . have enjoyed what was known as the peace _ have enjoyed what was known as the peace dividend — have enjoyed what was known as the peace dividend that _ have enjoyed what was known as the peace dividend that allowed - have enjoyed what was known as the peace dividend that allowed more i peace dividend that allowed more money— peace dividend that allowed more money to— peace dividend that allowed more money to be _ peace dividend that allowed more money to be spent _ peace dividend that allowed more money to be spent on— peace dividend that allowed more money to be spent on schools, i money to be spent on schools, wetfare — money to be spent on schools, welfare and _ money to be spent on schools, welfare and hospitals. - money to be spent on schools, welfare and hospitals. are - money to be spent on schools, i welfare and hospitals. are those days definitively _ welfare and hospitals. are those days definitively over _ welfare and hospitals. are those days definitively over and - welfare and hospitals. are those days definitively over and must. days definitively over and must those _ days definitively over and must those other— days definitively over and must those other areas— days definitively over and must those other areas take - days definitively over and must those other areas take a - days definitively over and must those other areas take a hit - days definitively over and must those other areas take a hit as| days definitively over and mustl those other areas take a hit as a result? — those other areas take a hit as a result? . ~ those other areas take a hit as a result? ., ~' , ., those other areas take a hit as a result? ., ,, , ., ., , ., result? thank you for the question. i wouldn't characterise _ result? thank you for the question. i wouldn't characterise it _ result? thank you for the question. i wouldn't characterise it in - i wouldn't characterise it in exactly that way because thanks to our management of the economy, we are able to make this announcement today. at the bedrock of everything we want to achieve as a country is found on having a strong economy. when i came into office inflation was at 11% in energy bills have skyrocketed. we are back at 3% and energy bills are following, interest rates to follow, the economy is growing again. i think it is because of that strong management of the economy that i can stand here today and make that announcement, but what i would say is we do have to

recognise that we live any more dangerous world, it is a more dangerous world, it is a more dangerous international environment than probably any time since the end of the cold war and i think the general secretary and i would agree on that. what seeing are authoritarian states around the world acting anyway that is increasingly connected and that is threatening to our interest and undermining our values and damaging to our allies, and undermining our values and damaging to ourallies, and in undermining our values and damaging to our allies, and in that environment, the right thing for me to do, in fact my duty and obligation as a british prime minister is to make sure we are strengthening our national defence so i can keep our country safe, and thatis so i can keep our country safe, and that is what this announcement reflects. it reflects the fact that the world is sadly a more dangerous and uncertain place, and in that environment the uk will do what it has always done, lead by example as the secretary—general said. invest in our national defence so we can keep our country safe and together with their friends and allies around the world, defend the values we all hold so dear and their colleagues in this room and the generations before

them have fought very hard to defend. of course that comes with choices, government is about choices. but my belief is it is the right choice for the country at this moment to invest more and strengthen our national defence, to do otherwise would to abdicate my response naughty as mr mac, and under my leadership that is not be going to do. we will invest more in a national defence, keep our country is safe and are alliance strong. next, let's turn to the daily mail. the crisis in the middle east has taken _ the crisis in the middle east has taken the — the crisis in the middle east has taken the spotlight a little bit of ukraine — taken the spotlight a little bit of ukraine. you mention nato's article five, _ ukraine. you mention nato's article five. to— ukraine. you mention nato's article five. to be — ukraine. you mention nato's article five, to be clear, are you ready to take _ five, to be clear, are you ready to take britain— five, to be clear, are you ready to take britain towards russian troops, is that— take britain towards russian troops, is that right? and can i ask you,

you had — is that right? and can i ask you, you had a — is that right? and can i ask you, you had a bumpy time with donald trump _ you had a bumpy time with donald trump iast— you had a bumpy time with donald trump last time. how do you feel about— trump last time. how do you feel about working with him again? ifi about working with him again? [fl take about working with him again? take the about working with him again? if i take the first one. our commitment to nato is absolutely unequivocal, and the uk is proudly contributed to every nato mission and jens can talk to you about the importance of the uk to the overall nato security, and contributes massively to the uk's own security. it is a cornerstone of her own defence, the fact we have a nuclear deterrent and are a member of the greatest defensive military alliance the world has ever seen. he said we are here and talking about the situation, i wanted to make this announcement here and together with jens, because it has been a lot of focus on the middle east rightly in the past few weeks and months, but we cannot lose sight of the situation here in europe on our continent with russian aggression. i

think that is why it is important for us to make this announcement, and we spoke with donald earlier and i will be seeing him later today, security is indivisible, ourjob is to stand with our allies and if teaching is not deterred here, then that will cost us far more at home down the line, whether it is with him or other adversaries around the world who are watching. the right thing to do is invest now in our deterrence and make sure he is not successful, because the cost of not doing that will be far greater to our own security and prosperity at home and later on.— our own security and prosperity at home and later on. before i answer the question. _ home and later on. before i answer the question, let _ home and later on. before i answer the question, let me _ home and later on. before i answer the question, let me express - home and later on. before i answer the question, let me express my i the question, let me express my deepest — the question, let me express my deepest condolences to the spanish corporat— deepest condolences to the spanish corporal who died here in poland during _ corporal who died here in poland during the — corporal who died here in poland during the exercise, i express my condolences to the spanish government and am in touch with the authorities. _ government and am in touch with the authorities, and be oh him and all

the men _ authorities, and be oh him and all the men and women in nato's uniform are eternal— the men and women in nato's uniform are eternal gratitude. to the question. _ are eternal gratitude. to the question, a strong need to is good for europe — question, a strong need to is good for europe but a strong nato is also good _ for europe but a strong nato is also good for— for europe but a strong nato is also good for the united states. i expect that regardless of the outcome of the elections in the us later this year. _ the elections in the us later this year. the — the elections in the us later this year, the us will remain a staunch and loyal— year, the us will remain a staunch and loyal ally, at least for three reasons, — and loyal ally, at least for three reasons, it _ and loyal ally, at least for three reasons, it is in the security interest— reasons, it is in the security interest of— reasons, it is in the security interest of the united states to have _ interest of the united states to have nato and to have more than 30 friends _ have nato and to have more than 30 friends and — have nato and to have more than 30 friends and allies. that makes the united _ friends and allies. that makes the united states stronger and safer, the united states is a big ally, the ribs are _ the united states is a big ally, the ribs are -- — the united states is a big ally, the ribs are —— they represented 5% of the worid's— ribs are —— they represented 5% of the world's gdp, but with all the allies— the world's gdp, but with all the allies together we represent 50%, twice _ allies together we represent 50%, twice as _ allies together we represent 50%, twice as much of the gdp. and together— twice as much of the gdp. and together we represent 50% of the world's— together we represent 50% of the world's military might. nato is

making — world's military might. nato is making the us safer and stronger, it is in the _ making the us safer and stronger, it is in the interest of the united states— is in the interest of the united states to _ is in the interest of the united states to keep nato and therefore i believe _ states to keep nato and therefore i believe they will remain a staunch and loyal— believe they will remain a staunch and loyal ally. second, believe they will remain a staunch and loyalally. second, it believe they will remain a staunch and loyal ally. second, it is broad bipartisan — and loyal ally. second, it is broad bipartisan support for natal united states. _ bipartisan support for natal united states. in— bipartisan support for natal united states, in the us congress and in the us— states, in the us congress and in the us public, if you look at resutts _ the us public, if you look at results from the opinion polls. and thirdly, _ results from the opinion polls. and thirdiy, the — results from the opinion polls. and thirdly, the criticism we have heard from _ thirdly, the criticism we have heard from the _ thirdly, the criticism we have heard from the united states, not only from _ from the united states, not only from the — from the united states, not only from the former prime minister donaid — from the former prime minister donald trump but also from others, from president donald trump but from others, _ from president donald trump but from others, is _ from president donald trump but from others, is it— from president donald trump but from others, is it has not been primarily a criticism — others, is it has not been primarily a criticism against nato allies. it has been — a criticism against nato allies. it has been a — a criticism against nato allies. it has been a criticism against nato aiiies— has been a criticism against nato aities not— has been a criticism against nato allies not spending enough on nato, and that— allies not spending enough on nato, and that is— allies not spending enough on nato, and that is changing. when we made it defence _ and that is changing. when we made it defence pledge, to pledge more back in— it defence pledge, to pledge more back in the nato summit in wales,

only three — back in the nato summit in wales, only three allies spent 2% or more only three allies spent 2% or more on defence — only three allies spent 2% or more on defence. this year i expect two thirds _ on defence. this year i expect two thirds or— on defence. this year i expect two thirds or perhaps more to spend gdp on defence — thirds or perhaps more to spend gdp on defence. then you have allies on the united — on defence. then you have allies on the united kingdom —— like the united — the united kingdom —— like the united kingdom, committing to spend two and _ united kingdom, committing to spend two and a _ united kingdom, committing to spend two and a half percent of gdp, and by far— two and a half percent of gdp, and by far the — two and a half percent of gdp, and by far the biggest defence investor amongst _ by far the biggest defence investor amongst european allies, and the biggest _ amongst european allies, and the biggest defence budget in the alliance of the united states. and contributing in so many different ways _ contributing in so many different ways to — contributing in so many different ways to different nato missions and operations. i think european allies, again. _ operations. i think european allies, again. not— operations. i think european allies, again, not least by the example of the united — again, not least by the example of the united kingdom are demonstrating to the united states that we do this together— to the united states that we do this together and the united states knows they have _ together and the united states knows they have not been at war with the second _ they have not been at war with the second world war —— since the second world _ second world war —— since the second world war— second world war —— since the second world war without allies, from the

korean— world war without allies, from the korean war to afghanistan. for these reasons, _ korean war to afghanistan. for these reasons, i_ korean war to afghanistan. for these reasons, i am confident... there korean war to afghanistan. for these reasons, lam confident... there may be discussions, but fundamentally the united states will stand where nato~ _ the united states will stand where nato. ., , ., ., thank nato. next, to the guardian. thank ou. ifi nato. next, to the guardian. thank yom lfl could _ nato. next, to the guardian. thank you. if i could start— nato. next, to the guardian. thank you. if i could start of— nato. next, to the guardian. thank you. if i could start of with - nato. next, to the guardian. thank you. if i could start of with asking l you. if i could start of with asking you. if i could start of with asking you a _ you. if i could start of with asking you a domestic— you. if i could start of with asking you a domestic question. - you. if i could start of with asking i you a domestic question. thousands of people _ you a domestic question. thousands of people who — you a domestic question. thousands of people who care _ you a domestic question. thousands of people who care for— you a domestic question. thousands of people who care for their - you a domestic question. thousands of people who care for their loved i of people who care for their loved ones _ of people who care for their loved ones have — of people who care for their loved ones have been— of people who care for their loved ones have been hounded - of people who care for their loved ones have been hounded by- of people who care for their loved ones have been hounded by the l of people who care for their loved i ones have been hounded by the dwp for thousands— ones have been hounded by the dwp for thousands of— ones have been hounded by the dwp for thousands of pounds, _ ones have been hounded by the dwp for thousands of pounds, and - ones have been hounded by the dwp for thousands of pounds, and in- ones have been hounded by the dwp| for thousands of pounds, and in some cases— for thousands of pounds, and in some cases even— for thousands of pounds, and in some cases even convicted. _ for thousands of pounds, and in some cases even convicted. you _ for thousands of pounds, and in some cases even convicted. you may- for thousands of pounds, and in some cases even convicted. you may have i cases even convicted. you may have read about _ cases even convicted. you may have read about the — cases even convicted. you may have read about the cases, _ cases even convicted. you may have read about the cases, after- read about the cases, after unwittingly _ read about the cases, after unwittingly breaching - read about the cases, after. unwittingly breaching earnings read about the cases, after- unwittingly breaching earnings rules by few— unwittingly breaching earnings rules by few pounds — unwittingly breaching earnings rules by few pounds a _ unwittingly breaching earnings rules by few pounds a week. _ unwittingly breaching earnings rules by few pounds a week. several- unwittingly breaching earnings rules. by few pounds a week. several former secretaries _ by few pounds a week. several former secretaries of — by few pounds a week. several former secretaries of state, _ by few pounds a week. several former secretaries of state, including - by few pounds a week. several former secretaries of state, including sir- secretaries of state, including sir ian secretaries of state, including sir ian diamond _ secretaries of state, including sir ian diamond smith, _ secretaries of state, including sir ian diamond smith, have - secretaries of state, including sir. ian diamond smith, have described secretaries of state, including sir- ian diamond smith, have described it as a scandal — ian diamond smith, have described it as a scandal to — ian diamond smith, have described it as a scandal. to agree _ ian diamond smith, have described it as a scandal. to agree with _ ian diamond smith, have described it as a scandal. to agree with them, i as a scandal. to agree with them, and is _ as a scandal. to agree with them, and is this— as a scandal. to agree with them, and is this another— as a scandal. to agree with them, and is this another sister- as a scandal. to agree with them, and is this another sister of- as a scandal. to agree with them, and is this another sister of the i and is this another sister of the broken — and is this another sister of the broken care _ and is this another sister of the broken care system _ and is this another sister of the broken care system and - and is this another sister of the broken care system and wouldl and is this another sister of the i broken care system and would you and is this another sister of the - broken care system and would you set ”p broken care system and would you set up an— broken care system and would you set up an inquiry? — broken care system and would you set upan inquiry? i— broken care system and would you set upan inquiry? ido—

broken care system and would you set up an inquiry? i do question _ broken care system and would you set up an inquiry? i do question two - broken care system and would you set up an inquiry? i do question two mr. up an inquiry? i do question two mr stoltenberg. — up an inquiry? i do question two mr stoltenberg, all— up an inquiry? i do question two mr stoltenberg, all the _ up an inquiry? i do question two mr stoltenberg, all the polls _ up an inquiry? i do question two mr stoltenberg, all the polls in - up an inquiry? i do question two mr stoltenberg, all the polls in the i up an inquiry? i do question two mr stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk| stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest _ stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest that — stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest that if— stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest that if we _ stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest that if we end _ stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest that if we end up - stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest that if we end up having i stoltenberg, all the polls in the uk suggest that if we end up having a| suggest that if we end up having a different— suggest that if we end up having a different government _ suggest that if we end up having a different government after - suggest that if we end up having a different government after the i different government after the election. — different government after the election, how— different government after the election, how reassuring - different government after the election, how reassuring are i different government after the i election, how reassuring are you by this important— election, how reassuring are you by this important defence _ election, how reassuring are you by this important defence moment i election, how reassuring are you by. this important defence moment given by mr— this important defence moment given by mr rishi _ this important defence moment given by mr rishi sunak— this important defence moment given by mr rishi sunak if— this important defence moment given by mr rishi sunak if he _ this important defence moment given by mr rishi sunak if he ends- this important defence moment given by mr rishi sunak if he ends up- by mr rishi sunak if he ends up finding— by mr rishi sunak if he ends up finding himself— by mr rishi sunak if he ends up finding himself out _ by mr rishi sunak if he ends up finding himself out of - by mr rishi sunak if he ends up finding himself out of office i by mr rishi sunak if he ends up. finding himself out of office later this year? — finding himself out of office later this year? have _ finding himself out of office later this year? have you _ finding himself out of office later this year? have you had - finding himself out of office later i this year? have you had discussions because _ this year? have you had discussions because of— this year? have you had discussions because of that, _ this year? have you had discussions because of that, taking _ this year? have you had discussions because of that, taking the - because of that, taking the precautionary— because of that, taking the precautionary principle i because of that, taking the| precautionary principle with because of that, taking the i precautionary principle with the british— precautionary principle with the british opposition? _ precautionary principle with the british opposition?— precautionary principle with the i british opposition?_ on british opposition? thank you. on the issue, british opposition? thank you. on the issue. l _ british opposition? thank you. on the issue, i am _ british opposition? thank you. on the issue, i am not— british opposition? thank you. on the issue, i am not familiar i british opposition? thank you. on the issue, i am not familiar with l the issue, i am not familiar with the issue, i am not familiar with the individual cases but there has been some reporting around carer�*s allowance and how it works. there has been a long—standing principle anyway that carer�*s allowance works, which is not means tested but subject to an earnings threshold that people are asked to declare their earnings at the time they are making those claims. without getting to the details of anyone's individual claim, that has been a long—standing practice where people have to declare their earnings. those are later checked down the line by dwp, and if there is a

discrepancy that impacts people's entitlement, they will seek to recover that i did that any sensible, fair away making sure there is a repayment plan in place if people have not declared their earnings accurately in the first place. every individual case will be different, so it is not for me to get into that. but it is reasonable that the welfare system is fair. of course we want to compassionate safety net and i was talking about this last week, we want a welfare system that is there for people who genuinely need it. we need to make sure it is fairfor genuinely need it. we need to make sure it is fair for everyone paying into it and it is like last week i outlined a significant set of reforms to the welfare system overall to tackle what we are seeing which is a significant increase in claims and bills, spending on ill health and disability benefits, forecast to be around £69 billion. that is an extraordinary amount of money, we are talking about defence spending here today. more than we are spending on schools, policing, transport budget. gives you a sense

of the scale, the pet budget alone is forecast to increase 50% unless we do something differently. and thatis we do something differently. and that is why what we have outlined last week will insured the welfare system remains compassionate for those that need it, and crucially recognise that work is good for people. i am someone who believes that her work is how you grow and build a country, it gives you purpose in life and that is why we should have a system that supports people into work because that is largely in their interest. i will letjens talk, probably not right to draw him into domestic policy. what i would say we are very clear this is a choice we have made, a choice i have made. we talked a little bit about it earlier. what i would say is that when the general election comes, there will be a choice on this topic. keir starmer is someone who not once but twice as the british people to makejeremy corbyn prime minister. jeremy corbyn wanted

to leave nato, get rid of our nuclear deterrent and turn the army into the peace corps. and multiple members of the laid—back senior team voted against trident, our nuclear deterrent including the shadow foreign secretary. that is the choice at the next election. i think this is the most dangerous time since the end of the cold war, and in order to keep people safe, i think the right thing to do is to increase our defence spending. i am proud of our party here, asjens, said back in 2014, is one of the few countries that met the 2% commitment. that wasn't easy, back in 2010 the conservatives inherited a country that bankrupted the public finances. and despite that we sided to prioritise the defence spending. that was the right thing to do, the right thing to do is increase it to

2.5%. we are consistent about this and people know where we stand. next, if we go to the telegraph. thank you, you had some very strong words _ thank you, you had some very strong words about— thank you, you had some very strong words about the _ thank you, you had some very strong words about the threat _ thank you, you had some very strong words about the threat from - thank you, you had some very strong words about the threat from china i thank you, you had some very strong words about the threat from china at| words about the threat from china at the start— words about the threat from china at the start of— words about the threat from china at the start of your— words about the threat from china at the start of your speech _ words about the threat from china at the start of your speech and - words about the threat from china at the start of your speech and you i the start of your speech and you link those — the start of your speech and you link those directly _ the start of your speech and you link those directly to _ the start of your speech and you link those directly to this - the start of your speech and you link those directly to this extra i link those directly to this extra money— link those directly to this extra money that— link those directly to this extra money that you _ link those directly to this extra money that you are _ link those directly to this extra money that you are putting i link those directly to this extra l money that you are putting into defence — money that you are putting into defence is _ money that you are putting into defence is it— money that you are putting into defence. is it now— money that you are putting into defence. is it now time, - money that you are putting into defence. is it now time, as- money that you are putting into defence. is it now time, as a i money that you are putting into| defence. is it now time, as a lot money that you are putting into i defence. is it now time, as a lot of your— defence. is it now time, as a lot of your mps— defence. is it now time, as a lot of your mps want. _ defence. is it now time, as a lot of your mp5 want, to _ defence. is it now time, as a lot of your mp5 want, to designate - defence. is it now time, as a lot of your mp5 want, to designate china officially— your mp5 want, to designate china officially as — your mp5 want, to designate china officially as a — your mp5 want, to designate china officially as a threat, _ your mp5 want, to designate china officially as a threat, and - your mp5 want, to designate china officially as a threat, and will- your mp5 want, to designate china officially as a threat, and will you i officially as a threat, and will you put it _ officially as a threat, and will you put it on— officially as a threat, and will you put it on the _ officially as a threat, and will you put it on the enhanced _ officially as a threat, and will you put it on the enhanced tier- put it on the enhanced tier list of countries? — put it on the enhanced tier list of countries? mr— put it on the enhanced tier list of countries? mr stoltenberg, i put it on the enhanced tier list of- countries? mr stoltenberg, mentioned our patriot _ countries? mr stoltenberg, mentioned our patriot defence _ countries? mr stoltenberg, mentioned our patriot defence system. _ countries? mr stoltenberg, mentioned our patriot defence system. at - countries? mr stoltenberg, mentioned our patriot defence system. at a - our patriot defence system. at a meeting — our patriot defence system. at a meeting yesterday— our patriot defence system. at a meeting yesterday european i our patriot defence system. at a i meeting yesterday european defence ministers _ meeting yesterday european defence ministers fell — meeting yesterday european defence ministers fell short— meeting yesterday european defence ministers fell short of— meeting yesterday european defence ministers fell short of signing - meeting yesterday european defence ministers fell short of signing off- ministers fell short of signing off on sending — ministers fell short of signing off on sending those _ ministers fell short of signing off on sending those to _ ministers fell short of signing off on sending those to ukraine. i ministers fell short of signing offl on sending those to ukraine. will you use _ on sending those to ukraine. will you use this— on sending those to ukraine. will you use this announcement - on sending those to ukraine. will you use this announcement by. on sending those to ukraine. willi you use this announcement by the on sending those to ukraine. will- you use this announcement by the uk to put— you use this announcement by the uk to put pressure — you use this announcement by the uk to put pressure on— you use this announcement by the uk to put pressure on those _ you use this announcement by the uk to put pressure on those european. to put pressure on those european countries _ to put pressure on those european countries who — to put pressure on those european countries who are _ to put pressure on those european countries who are holding - to put pressure on those european countries who are holding out? i. countries who are holding out? i think countries who are holding out? think we have been countries who are holding out?“ think we have been consistently clear that china is a country with different values two hours, it is

behaving in a way that is more authoritarian at home or assertive overseas and it is right we protect yourself against that. i will not produce any —— other not to reduce any complex foreign policy down to one word or phrase, but i am confident we are taking practical steps to keep us safe. we pass a national security investment act and we had used it to block chinese investment in sensitive technology sectors like semiconductors. we removed chinese telescopic equipment from our network, we make sure the chinese entity is not going to be part of a future nuclear plants only last year passed a national security act, which i will not get into, but gives us a range of tools and powers that we need to keep our country safe from state threats. that has been a consistent approach to china, robust and tough, to protect ourselves, but of course recognising the fact that china is an indisputable part of the global

economy, so whether it is on al, climate change, public health, it is important we maintain a dialogue and find common ground. at the same time, protect ourselves against the risks and threats that it poses. as jens alluded to in his remarks, as did i, we are seeing an interconnectedness between china and some of these other authoritarian states around the world, whether it is on sanctions and visions, the supply of arms or components. —— sanction invasions. our review anticipated that, and talked about the growing insecurity coming from state raised threats, it is happening at a quicker pace. our security is visible wherever it might be threatened around the world. , ., ., . world. the first on air defence, i welcome the _ world. the first on air defence, i welcome the announcement i world. the first on air defence, i l welcome the announcement from world. the first on air defence, i - welcome the announcement from the

united _ welcome the announcement from the united kingdom, from rishi sunak year—to—date. it makes it possible to give _ year—to—date. it makes it possible to give more air defence to ukraine, that is_ to give more air defence to ukraine, that is urgently needed. and then we are working _ that is urgently needed. and then we are working in nato actively with nato _ are working in nato actively with nato allies to provide even more, in particular— nato allies to provide even more, in particular the different types of systems, we had a meeting on friday, last friday. _ systems, we had a meeting on friday, last friday, the nato defence ministers, together with presidents, and allah _ ministers, together with presidents, and allah agree we need to do more. we have _ and allah agree we need to do more. we have the — and allah agree we need to do more. we have the german announcement of another— we have the german announcement of another patriot battery, other allies— another patriot battery, other allies made clear commitments. i expect— allies made clear commitments. i expect them to announce that in the future~ _ expect them to announce that in the future~ then — expect them to announce that in the future. then of course we also have the us— future. then of course we also have the us decision in the us house of representatives, that will also enable — representatives, that will also enable more delivery of advanced air

defence _ enable more delivery of advanced air defence systems to ukraine, and then we also _ defence systems to ukraine, and then we also have to remember that the f—165, _ we also have to remember that the f—16s, where allies are delivering them, _ f—16s, where allies are delivering them, will— f—16s, where allies are delivering them, will strengthen the air defence _ them, will strengthen the air defence of ukraine. we are working on this, _ defence of ukraine. we are working on this, and — defence of ukraine. we are working on this, and also as we prepare for the nato _ on this, and also as we prepare for the nato summit, looking for a more robust _ the nato summit, looking for a more robust framework for more long—term support— robust framework for more long—term support to _ robust framework for more long—term support to ukraine. briefly, on china, — support to ukraine. briefly, on china, the _ support to ukraine. briefly, on china, the war in ukraine demonstrates how intertwined our security— demonstrates how intertwined our security is— demonstrates how intertwined our security is because china is propping _ security is because china is propping up the russian war economy. iran propping up the russian war economy. tran is— propping up the russian war economy. tran is giving _ propping up the russian war economy. iran is giving jones to russia and north— iran is giving jones to russia and north korea is delivering ammunition to russia, _ north korea is delivering ammunition to russia, and in return moscow is mortgaging — to russia, and in return moscow is mortgaging its future to beijing and

moscow _ mortgaging its future to beijing and moscow is delivering technology to north _ moscow is delivering technology to north korea and iran to help them develop _ north korea and iran to help them develop their missile and nuclear programmes. this is really a demonstration of what happens in asia matches for europe, and what happens _ asia matches for europe, and what happens in — asia matches for europe, and what happens in europe matches for asia, and that— happens in europe matches for asia, and that is— happens in europe matches for asia, and that is way up the cars wrapping up and that is way up the cars wrapping up with— and that is way up the cars wrapping up with our— and that is way up the cars wrapping up with our partners in the region. south _ up with our partners in the region. south korea, japan, new zealand and estonia, _ south korea, japan, new zealand and estonia, just make sure we are working — estonia, just make sure we are working closely with them. let�*s estonia, just make sure we are working closely with them. let's go to bbc next- _ working closely with them. let's go to bbc next. thank you, _ working closely with them. let's go to bbc next. thank you, a - working closely with them. let's go to bbc next. thank you, a question to bbc next. thank you, a question to both of you- _ to bbc next. thank you, a question to both of you. is— to bbc next. thank you, a question to both of you. is it _ to bbc next. thank you, a question to both of you. is it time _ to bbc next. thank you, a question to both of you. is it time to - to bbc next. thank you, a question to both of you. is it time to be - to both of you. is it time to be candid — to both of you. is it time to be candid now— to both of you. is it time to be candid now with _ to both of you. is it time to be candid now with people - to both of you. is it time to be candid now with people that l to both of you. is it time to be i candid now with people that the costs _ candid now with people that the costs of— candid now with people that the costs of supporting _ candid now with people that the costs of supporting ukraine - candid now with people that the costs of supporting ukraine arei costs of supporting ukraine are going _ costs of supporting ukraine are going to — costs of supporting ukraine are going to run _ costs of supporting ukraine are going to run into— costs of supporting ukraine are going to run into the _ costs of supporting ukraine are going to run into the billions. costs of supporting ukraine are. going to run into the billions and billions — going to run into the billions and billions for — going to run into the billions and billions for years— going to run into the billions and billions for years and _ going to run into the billions and billions for years and years - going to run into the billions and billions for years and years to i billions for years and years to come? — billions for years and years to come? could _ billions for years and years to come? could this _ billions for years and years to come? could this last - billions for years and years to| come? could this last another decade? — come? could this last another decade? and _ come? could this last another decade? and prime _ come? could this last another decade? and prime minister, | come? could this last anotherl decade? and prime minister, i come? could this last another- decade? and prime minister, iwonder what your— decade? and prime minister, iwonder what your reaction _ decade? and prime minister, iwonder what your reaction is _ decade? and prime minister, iwonder what your reaction is to _ decade? and prime minister, iwonder what your reaction is to the _ decade? and prime minister, iwonder what your reaction is to the news - what your reaction is to the news today— what your reaction is to the news today of— what your reaction is to the news today of the _ what your reaction is to the news today of the deaths _ what your reaction is to the news today of the deaths in _ what your reaction is to the news today of the deaths in the - what your reaction is to the news| today of the deaths in the english channet — today of the deaths in the english channel. . ~ today of the deaths in the english channel. ., ,, , ., ~ , today of the deaths in the english channel. ., ,, ~ , ., . ., channel. thank you. as i touched on, unfortunately — channel. thank you. as i touched on, unfortunately we _ channel. thank you. as i touched on, unfortunately we are _ channel. thank you. as i touched on, unfortunately we are living _ channel. thank you. as i touched on, unfortunately we are living any - channel. thank you. as i touched on, unfortunately we are living any more | unfortunately we are living any more dangerous time than at any point

since the end of the cold war. what we are seen as an act of civil authoritarian states, including china, north korea, iran, russia undermining our values and increasingly working together. in response to that, the right thing to do is to invest more in our national defence, that is why we are going to 2.5% of gdp by 2030, starting today and steadily increasing. ukraine is important because investment in ukraine is an investment in our security. we do not deter russia and ukraine, we are going to do is involved in putting to do is embolden put into go further and embolden put into go further and embolden other adversaries around the world to do the same. that will end up costing us more in the long term, and threaten the world order we spent decades building. that is why it is right to make this announcement and investment, and supporting ukraine will enhance our

own security. these are not things that are happening far away, what happened in ukraine with russia meant that everybody in the uk cosmic energy bills spiral. what is happening in the red sea will impact shipping lanes and the cost of goods and a high street shops. these things have an impact on us here at home and by making this investment, whether it is supporting our ukrainian friends, whether it is in new technology or munitions, all of which contribute to future uk security and prosperity. that is why it is the right thing to do. i want to be honest with people about the environment we are in and the necessity of making this choice at this moment. it means we will be well prepared for the future and keep the country say. i will let jens come onto that same point in a second, but to touch on your second question, incredibly sad to hear about the deaths in the channel. it

just underscores how important it is that we stop these criminal gangs who are exploiting incredibly vulnerable people, making these illegal crossings across the channel, and as we have heard today, many more perishing as they made those aged journeys. that is why as a matter of basic compassion i want to stop the boats. yes, of course it puts pressure on public services, of course it is costing us a fortune accommodating illegal migrants in hotels around the country, and yes of course it is unfair and undermines our british notion of fairness, the people arejumping the queue. fundamentally it is deeply dangerous and there is nothing are passionate about allowing the current system to continue. that is why i am determined to stop the boats and that is why we have worked hard to get our rwanda bill through parliament, as i am pleased we did late last night in spite of the labour opposition. and once we get

the deterrent up and running, this will help us stop the boats. people need to know if they come to our country illegally, they will not be able to stay. and when we can demonstrate that deterrent, we will see the numbers come down and crucially save people cosmic lives in the process. that is why i am tempted to see this through. fin in the process. that is why i am tempted to see this through. on the cost of the support _ tempted to see this through. on the cost of the support to _ tempted to see this through. on the cost of the support to ukraine, - tempted to see this through. on the cost of the support to ukraine, it - cost of the support to ukraine, it has to— cost of the support to ukraine, it has to have — cost of the support to ukraine, it has to have russia as a neighbour, there _ has to have russia as a neighbour, there is— has to have russia as a neighbour, there is no— has to have russia as a neighbour, there is no way we can run away from that cost _ there is no way we can run away from that cost we — there is no way we can run away from that cost. we had to pay. we need to understand _ that cost. we had to pay. we need to understand that the most expensive alternative is to allow putin to win in ukraine, — alternative is to allow putin to win in ukraine, because then we will live any— in ukraine, because then we will live any more dangerous world and our security — live any more dangerous world and our security will be really challenged. we will have to invest significantly more in our defence compared — significantly more in our defence compared to the support now delivered to ukraine. the reality is

it is a _ delivered to ukraine. the reality is it is a cost— delivered to ukraine. the reality is it is a cost to have an aggressive neighbour, — it is a cost to have an aggressive neighbour, and we have an aggressive neighbour _ neighbour, and we have an aggressive neighbour. we can either invest now in ukraine's— neighbour. we can either invest now in ukraine's security, that is good for them — in ukraine's security, that is good for them and in ukraine's security, that is good forthem and us, in ukraine's security, that is good for them and us, and reduces the overall— for them and us, and reduces the overall cost — for them and us, and reduces the overall cost of coping with russia as a neighbour, if we allow putin to win, the _ as a neighbour, if we allow putin to win, the costs will go up a knock down _ win, the costs will go up a knock down. secondly, you have to remember that although we are now allies providing significant support to ukraine, — providing significant support to ukraine, it is only fractional defence _ ukraine, it is only fractional defence budgets. we speak about 2%, this is— defence budgets. we speak about 2%, this is less _ defence budgets. we speak about 2%, this is less than 0.2% of our gdp. and we _ this is less than 0.2% of our gdp. and we have _ this is less than 0.2% of our gdp. and we have no nato soldiers in harms _ and we have no nato soldiers in harms way, _ and we have no nato soldiers in harms way, no british or nato soldiers — harms way, no british or nato soldiers at _ harms way, no british or nato soldiers at all. so by providing support— soldiers at all. so by providing support to ukraine, we help them to destroy— support to ukraine, we help them to destroy russian combat capabilities that could put attention against us, support— that could put attention against us, support ukraine is not charity. it is an—

support ukraine is not charity. it is an investment into our own security— is an investment into our own security and the alternative is more expensive — security and the alternative is more expensive. the security and the alternative is more exensive. ., , ., expensive. the only thing i would add on that _ expensive. the only thing i would add on that point _ expensive. the only thing i would add on that point is _ expensive. the only thing i would add on that point is you _ expensive. the only thing i would add on that point is you have - expensive. the only thing i would add on that point is you have to l add on that point is you have to recognise that the defence industry in the uk also employs hundreds of thousands of people, and part of what we work very hard is to ensure this new investment is going to benefit british companies and support britishjobs. the munitions strategy that grant will be outlining, the long term contracts that will be put in place to increase supply, a whole range of munitions, artillery and equipment benefitjobs and companies all around the uk. any document we have published to date you will see a map of where that defence adjustment is spread and it really is a full united kingdom endeavour. one of the reasons we want to get this investment right and do it over the long—term is we can build up the uk defence supply chain, and what ukraine illustrates is we need a more resilient supply chain that can

produce more quickly, and that is white this investment is notjust good for our security, it is good for british jobs at home and across the union as well. let's turn to khan sky. g, the union as well. let's turn to khan sky-— the union as well. let's turn to khan sky. a question few both, lease. khan sky. a question few both, please- you — khan sky. a question few both, please. you talk _ khan sky. a question few both, please. you talk about - khan sky. a question few both, please. you talk about europe | khan sky. a question few both, - please. you talk about europe being at a turning — please. you talk about europe being at a turning point— please. you talk about europe being at a turning point and _ please. you talk about europe being at a turning point and the _ please. you talk about europe being at a turning point and the spending. at a turning point and the spending putting _ at a turning point and the spending putting the — at a turning point and the spending putting the uk_ at a turning point and the spending putting the uk on— at a turning point and the spending putting the uk on a _ at a turning point and the spending putting the uk on a war— at a turning point and the spending putting the uk on a war footing, i putting the uk on a war footing, have _ putting the uk on a war footing, have we — putting the uk on a war footing, have we entered _ putting the uk on a war footing, have we entered a _ putting the uk on a war footing, have we entered a pre—war- putting the uk on a war footing, have we entered a pre—war era? putting the uk on a war footing, - have we entered a pre—war era? you talk about— have we entered a pre—war era? you talk about the — have we entered a pre—war era? you talk about the axis _ have we entered a pre—war era? you talk about the axis of— have we entered a pre—war era? you talk about the axis of authoritarian . talk about the axis of authoritarian states _ talk about the axis of authoritarian states working _ talk about the axis of authoritarian states working together, - talk about the axis of authoritarian states working together, we - talk about the axis of authoritarian states working together, we have i states working together, we have known _ states working together, we have known about _ states working together, we have known about their _ states working together, we have known about their hostility, - states working together, we have known about their hostility, it - states working together, we have j known about their hostility, it has something — known about their hostility, it has something changed _ known about their hostility, it has something changed suddenly- known about their hostility, it has something changed suddenly that known about their hostility, it has . something changed suddenly that is especially— something changed suddenly that is especially concerning _ something changed suddenly that is especially concerning you? - something changed suddenly that is especially concerning you?- especially concerning you? thanks for those questions. _ especially concerning you? thanks for those questions. people - especially concerning you? thanks for those questions. people will. for those questions. people will call this different words and i quoted churchill earlier, but we have to recognise that the world is in a more dangerous place than it has been since the end of the cold war, and this is not