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Healey believes US/Ukraine agreement on rare earth minerals could be beneficial
In a recent discussion on Times Radio, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, expressed optimism regarding an impending agreement between the United States and Ukraine concerning rare earth minerals, anticipated to be finalized on Friday.
When asked about the details of the reports, Healey remarked:
Ultimately, the specifics are for the two nations to clarify, but any action that contributes to a long-term peace process in Ukraine is a positive development.
For further details, check out Andrew Roth‘s article for the Guardian discussing the potential deal.
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, is currently addressing the press at Bute House in Edinburgh. A live stream of the event is available here.
Swinney organized this press conference following the passage of his government’s budget at Holyrood yesterday.
While I won’t cover the event in real-time, I will provide highlights as they emerge.
John Healey clarifies defence spending increase: £6bn annual boost, not £13bn as suggested by PM
The Institute for Fiscal Studies recently challenged statements made by Keir Starmer regarding an increase in defence spending, asserting that his claim of an annual rise of £13.4bn starting in 2027 was misleading. The IFS highlighted that this figure assumes a freeze on defence spending in nominal terms, a scenario deemed unrealistic. Instead, they suggested that the actual increase would be closer to £6bn annually.
In an interview on BBC Breakfast today, Healey corroborated that the more accurate figure for the rise in defence spending is indeed £6bn in real terms.
Responding to the PM’s £13.4bn claim, Healey stated:
While that number represents cash terms, once inflation is considered, it translates to over £6bn in real terms. Regardless, it signifies a substantial increase in defence investment.
He added that this funding would enable the enhancement of the armed forces, positioning defence as a catalyst for economic growth within the UK, ultimately supporting British jobs, businesses, and technological advancement.
In light of this, James Cartlidge, the shadow Defence Secretary, criticized the government for lacking transparency. He took to social media to express his concerns:
Yesterday, the PM indicated a rise in defence spending of £13.4bn. Today, his Defence Secretary says it’s £6bn. Which is it?
@KemiBadenoch received a redacted version of the PM’s figures before his speech, lacking critical numbers. Transparency is essential, and we require clarity.
In reality, the situation is clear; the £6bn figure is indeed the more reliable one.
David Lammy asserts vital projects in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan will be safeguarded amid reductions in aid spending
Good morning. Members of Parliament at Westminster are currently assessing the ramifications of Keir Starmer’s decision to reduce the aid budget to facilitate an increase in defence spending. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey provide comprehensive coverage in their overnight report.
John Healey has been actively discussing the matter and faced inquiries regarding whether the decision was influenced by the need to appease Donald Trump. Healey repeatedly denied this assertion, clarifying that the commitment to elevate defence spending by 2.5% of GDP originated from a Labour manifesto promise. However, he acknowledged that the manifesto did not specify that it would be achieved by 2027 nor that it would require cuts to the aid budget.
Nonetheless, Healey did not dismiss the notion that the timing of this announcement coincides with Starmer’s upcoming first meeting with Trump since the latter’s inauguration. “President Trump has issued a direct challenge in recent weeks,” Healey remarked.
For Starmer, the pledge to boost defence spending serves as a necessary, albeit insufficient, step toward ensuring a successful meeting with Trump.
However, the decision to cut aid spending presents a significant challenge for anyone in the Labour party, particularly for David Lammy. As Foreign Secretary, he oversees international development budgets (following the integration of DfID into the Foreign Office) and recently criticized Trump’s slashing of the US aid budget as a “major strategic error.” Lammy’s previous comments highlight the complexity of the current situation, particularly since plans for cuts to UK aid appear to have materialized only weeks ago.
Patrick Wintour, diplomatic editor for the Guardian, shared insights on social media concerning Lammy’s predicament.
This is regrettable. Lammy has clearly struggled to protect the Foreign Office budget, especially after advocating against cuts to the US aid budget just weeks ago. By reducing aid to 0.3% of GDP, the UK aligns itself with Italy, becoming one of the least generous countries in the G7. The government’s choices are driven more by political pressures and concerns over reform than by altruistic motives.
Despite the challenges, Lammy has penned an article for the Guardian in defense of the governmental shifts. While the specifics on which areas of the aid budget will face cuts remain uncertain, Lammy assures that initiatives in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan will be prioritized.
To commit to increased defence spending while adhering to our fiscal commitments, we must regretfully reduce our international development budget. As the Prime Minister articulated, none of this is straightforward. Such choices are exceedingly tough for any government—especially a Labour one. Our record on international development remains commendable as it addresses pressing global issues, supports vulnerable populations, and enhances our diplomatic influence. This government is dedicated to reinstating overseas aid spending to 0.7% of gross national income as soon as fiscal conditions permit.
Nevertheless, we are realists—not ideologues—and must reconcile our international commitments with the imperative of national security.
In trimming the overseas aid budget, we will safeguard crucial programs in the world’s most severe conflict zones including Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. However, it is undeniable that many essential initiatives will inevitably be paused. Decisions regarding program adjustments will advance rapidly in the coming weeks and months, but our core objectives will remain unchanged. My aspiration for a transformed Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, suitable for the complexities of this increasingly contested world, where diplomacy is of utmost importance, is my guiding principle.
Read the full article here.
Here is the agenda for the day:
9:30 am: Water company executives present to the Commons environment committee.
9:40 am: John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, holds a press conference.
Noon: Keir Starmer engages in Prime Minister’s Questions with Kemi Badenoch.
Post 12:30 pm: Angela Rayner, Deputy PM and Housing Secretary, addresses MPs regarding the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations.
Post 1:30 pm: MPs initiate a debate on a Conservative motion critiquing the implications of government tax policies on family businesses, followed by another motion regarding the Chagos Islands.
If you wish to contribute insights or engage, please leave a comment below or reach out via social media. I welcome feedback, including corrections, as it enhances the discussion.
Updated at 11.04 CET
Source
www.theguardian.com