Britain and US tell NATO allies to 'raise their game' on defence spending
British defence secretary says those failing to meet the commitment should agree to year on year real terms increases
US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Britain's Defence Secretary Michael Fallon pose for a handshake in front of a ceremonial guard of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, as Mattis arrives for their meeting at the Ministry of Defence in London, March 31, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON:
Britain and the United States said on Friday that NATO allies needed to commit to increase defence spending every year, calling on countries who do not meet the alliance's 2 percent spending target to "raise their game".
Tillerson to meet NATO members next week
"Secretary Mattis and I have agreed that others must now raise their game, and those failing to meet the 2 percent commitment so far should at least agree to year on year real terms increases," British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said during a joint news conference with US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.
Britain and the United States said on Friday that NATO allies needed to commit to increase defence spending every year, calling on countries who do not meet the alliance's 2 percent spending target to "raise their game".
Tillerson to meet NATO members next week
"Secretary Mattis and I have agreed that others must now raise their game, and those failing to meet the 2 percent commitment so far should at least agree to year on year real terms increases," British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said during a joint news conference with US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.