Keir Starmer has announced the biggest increase in defence spending since the Cold War in the face of Russian aggression.

The PM told MPs the UK faces a "generational challenge" as he pointed to the dangers posed by Vladimir Putin. He confirmed the Government will spend 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence by 2027 - and 3% in the next decade. Mr Starmer said he will slash billions from the overseas aid budget to pay for it.

The Prime Minister told the Commons: "We must find courage in our history, courage in who we are as a nation, because courage is what our own era now demands of us." In his bleak update warning of the danger Vladimir Putin poses to the UK's national security, he said: "We must change our national security posture because a generational challenge requires a generational response that will demand some extremely difficult and painful choices."

It means the Government will spend £13.4billion more on defence every year from 2027, the Prime Minister said. He made the annoucement to MPs 24 hours that Europe will be in danger if prevails. He has committed to putting British boots on the ground if a peace deal is reached - as long as the US gives a security guarantee.

Mr Starmer is set to travel to Washington DC to meet President this week amid growing alarm about his interventions over . In a powerful exchange Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey warned: "We may be watching before our very eyes the betrayal of our Ukrainian allies by America, and with it the potential betrayal of Europe and of Britain, to which we must respond."

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The PM told the Commons: "One of the great lessons of our history is that instability in Europe will always wash up on our shores, and that tyrants like Putin only respond to strength.

" is a menace in our waters, in our airspace, on our streets, they have launched cyber attacks on our , even seven years ago, a chemical weapons attack on the streets of Salisbury.

"We must stand by Ukraine." He said the UK must reject a "false choice" between the US and Europe.

The Prime Minister warned that the decision would impact everyone in the UK. He said that the adjustment would require "a whole society effort that will reach into the lives, the industries and the homes of the British people".

Following talks with Ukrainian President on Monday, Mr Starmer described a conversation with a Ukrainian burns victim.

The PM stated: "He said to me 'if fails, Europe will be next'. And that is what is at stake here. That is why we will always stand with Ukraine and our allies against this aggression and for a just and lasting peace".

The PM has claimed sanctions - announced on Monday by Foreign Secretary - will force not only to talk "but to make concessions". He branded them the "largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war" - with some targeting Russia's shadow fleet and firms in sending military components.

It comes amid growing unease about Donald Trump's administration holding talks with Russia about a peace deal. Mr Zelensky has complained about being locked out of negotations, prompting Trump to dismiss him as a "dictator".

There are growing signs that the US President will crumble in the face of the Russian strongman, sparking fears the Kremlin could strike again even if a deal is reached.

The PM stated: "This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment, as talks begin, we must work together to shape the outcome. does not hold all the cards in this war, because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country, because Russia’s economy is in trouble, and because they have now lost the best of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion."

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The Government has committed to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence by the end of the decade. But in a speech this morning, Tory leader said this will no longer be sufficient.

She said the figure would need to be ramped up "significantly" to meet the new dangers the UK faces. "2.5% by 2030 is now no longer sufficient," Mrs Badenoch said.

Trump has called on NATO allies to spend more on defence, suggesting countries should be looking at committing 5%. On Monday the US voted against a UN General Assembly resolution in New York demanding an immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine.

The non-binding resolution passed with 93 votes in favour. The US was one of 18 countries to vote against it, including North Korea, Burundi and Nicaragua, as well as Russia and close ally Belarus.

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