Keir Starmer's warning to Vladimir Putin after attack on Ukrainian children’s hospital

Keir Starmer has warned Vladimir Putin that the “appalling” attack on a Ukrainian children’s hospital would only strengthen the resolve of NATO allies.

Speaking before he set off to Washington for the summit on Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister said: "My message is very, very clear that this NATO summit is an opportunity for allies to stand together to strengthen their resolve - particularly in light of that appalling attack - against Russian aggression.

“I'm pleased to have the early opportunity to confirm and reaffirm Labour's strong support, unshakeable support for NATO. We are a founding member, it's now the 75th anniversary. This is an opportunity to send that message in relation to Russian aggression wherever. But that attack last week was appalling so that message is even more important now than it was before."

Mr Starmer also said he is committed to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence "within our fiscal rules" and said he needed to carry out a review before setting a timeline to reach that goal. He said: "The most important thing is to, at this Nato summit, recommit to our solidarity with and stand with Ukraine and discuss the practical plans for further action we can take together in relation to Russian aggression."

The PM added: "In relation to defence more generally, we will carry out our strategic review to look at the challenges, the capabilities, and on the back of that make further plans.

"I am committed to that 2.5% within our fiscal rules. That strategic review needs to come first. But today, tomorrow and the next day is all about standing together with our allies, discussing practically how we provide further support to Ukraine, and send a very, very clear message to Putin that we will stand against Russian aggression wherever it is in the world."