Ministers will always spend the money needed to defend the UK, Downing Street said, after Donald Trump called for Nato allies to spend 5% of their national output on defence.
The US president-elect has called for all members of the transatlantic alliance to more than double their defence commitment, which is currently set at 2% of gross domestic product (GDP).
In a wide-ranging press conference on Tuesday, Mr Trump ramped up his calls for increased defence spending by the US’s European partners, ahead of his inauguration.
Mr Trump has previously proved sceptical of European allies’ commitment to Nato, many of whom are struggling to meet the existing commitment.
The UK currently spends 2.3% of GDP on defence and is committed to raising this to 2.5%, while America spends some 3.4% of GDP.
Asked about the incoming president’s remarks, Downing Street said: “The Government is always going to spend what’s required on defence to keep Britain safe.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman added: “As the Defence Secretary (John Healey) said on Monday in Parliament, everyone agrees that we need to spend more on defence, and that’s why the Budget increased defence spending by £2.9 billion next year.
“We’re committed to setting out a path to 2.5% of GDP and in such an uncertain, dangerous world, European allies must be prepared to spend on defence and increase our levels of deterrent.”
During his press conference, Mr Trump also suggested the US could annex the Panama Canal and Greenland, which he claimed were at risk from the influence of Russia and China.
He also suggested Canada could be forced to merge with the US through the use of “economic force”.
The comments have drawn widespread condemnation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and from France’s foreign minister, who suggested Mr Trump was attempting to interfere with the sovereignty of an EU member state, Denmark, of which Greenland is an autonomous territory.
Downing Street declined to comment on Mr Trump’s remarks, and said the Government was looking forward to working with the incoming American administration.
