LONDON: UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron on Thursday urged NATO countries to soon start spending 2.5 percent of GDP on defence, during a major speech in which he called for a more muscular approach to Western foreign policy.
In a keynote address at the National Cyber Security Centre in London, Cameron emphasized the need for a more robust approach to Western foreign policy in the face of emerging threats, particularly from Russia and Iran.
Cameron, a former UK prime minister, characterized the current geopolitical landscape as a “battle of wills,” stressing the imperative for nations to demonstrate resolve in protecting their interests. He underscored the necessity for NATO countries to outperform adversaries through enhanced cooperation, innovation, and investment in defence capabilities.
Highlighting the upcoming NATO summit, Cameron urged all member states to fulfill their commitment made in Wales in 2014 to allocate two percent of GDP to defence spending. Moreover, he proposed setting a new benchmark of 2.5 percent, aligning with the UK’s recent announcement to gradually increase defence spending to that level by 2030.
Identifying Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, Cameron pointed to their role in exacerbating global threats. He advocated for reinforcing existing alliances such as the G7 and the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, while also advocating for the formation of new partnerships.
Citing recent geopolitical developments, Cameron stressed the need for a tougher stance in addressing aggressors, referencing Putin’s illegal invasion as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. He called for Britain and the West to exhibit courage and assertiveness in confronting challenges on the world stage.
