Rutte after British minister's exit: Investments in defense are difficult

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his respect for British Defense Secretary John Healey's decision to resign over disagreements concerning defense investments. Healey stepped down following a dispute with Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the adequacy of military spending. Stoltenberg, speaking at a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Brussels, stated, "I have not heard the announcement before now. I really respect John Healey."

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I have not heard the announcement before now. I really respect John Healey.

Healey had played a significant role in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, often urging increased defense spending and military aid to Ukraine. His resignation letter cited Starmer's plans as insufficient for the current dangerous times and warned of reduced military readiness and increased risks if funding targets were not met. Stoltenberg acknowledged that many NATO members, like the UK, face considerable challenges in boosting defense budgets.

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More generally, I can say that across the alliance, we see countries really increasing their defense spending.

Despite these challenges, Stoltenberg highlighted that the alliance has seen an increase in defense expenditures. "More generally, I can say that across the alliance, we see countries really increasing their defense spending," he remarked, noting that Britain had also increased its defense investments last year. He recognized that these increased investments require difficult choices and trade-offs with other important expenditures. Ultimately, he stressed, the core issue is whether governments prioritize national security and a strong economy, which he described as the two most important pillars of defense.

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It is of course not easy. Because there is always a trade-off in relation to other expenses that are also important.