Keir Starmer came unstuck on the BBC (Image: BBC)
Sir Keir Starmer was skewered by the BBC's Nick Robinson over defence spending. The BBC Radio 4 Today programme host repeatedly pressed the Prime Minister on his wording that it was his "ambition” to hit 3% of GDP in the next parliament rather than giving a firm commitment.
Sir Keir said: "What I said at the election in 2024 is that we would get to 2.5% and I was pressed time and again 'what precise date' and I said 'as soon as I can be absolutely clear with a firm date, a firm commitment that we will keep to', because I had seen the previous government make commitments about this percent or that percent with no plan behind it, I'm not going down that road."
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
My Dad Asked, "Is Your Allowance Sufficient?" I Replied, "What Allowance?".Healthy Glam | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Keir Starmer 'panicking' as Nigel Farage's Reform surges in polls, chairman warns
229 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
New Reform MP blasts 'rattled' Keir Starmer after Nigel Farage rant
128 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1161 Comments
Pensioners in three council tax bands could get their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
82 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
TalkTV star loses it with Keir Starmer live on air in explosive rant: 'Keeps telling you!'
4 Comments
Andrew Bailey has shown true colours with 'disgraceful' Brexit intervention, warns expert
503 Comments
What Meghan And Harry Are Really Like According To Kensington StaffDaily Sport X | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1098 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
36 Comments
Hollywood Actress Leaks Weight Loss Trick, Gets FiredHealth News | USA | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Ever-changing Keir Starmer enters his final form - and it's terrible for business
14 Comments
Rachel Reeves 'hanging defence out to dry' ahead of landmark announcement
27 Comments
After 35 Years, Her Jewelry Is Nearly GoneThe Heritage Journal | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Labour U-turn triggers '￡209m loss a year' as churches and hospitals hit
2 Comments
Dating for Senior Singles in NevadaMature Dating | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Keir Starmer 'panicking' as Nigel Farage's Reform surges in polls, chairman warns
229 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
Side Sleepers With Neck Pain: Try This "Pillow Trick" TonightSleep Digest Publication | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
New Reform MP blasts 'rattled' Keir Starmer after Nigel Farage rant
128 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1161 Comments
Who Charges the Most for Car Insurance in Nevada? (Check Zip Code)OTTO Quotes | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Pensioners in three council tax bands could get their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
82 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Grow Your Nest Egg In Las Vegas With High-APY SavingsNerdWallet | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Dermatologist Says Do Not Buy Regular Bedsheets, Here's WhyMiracle Sheets | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
This Dad Decimated 10,000 Bed Bugs From His Kid's Bed After Pushing 1 Buttonswissklip | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the ListSavingsPro | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
TalkTV star loses it with Keir Starmer live on air in explosive rant: 'Keeps telling you!'
4 Comments
Andrew Bailey has shown true colours with 'disgraceful' Brexit intervention, warns expert
503 Comments
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1098 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
36 Comments
Ever-changing Keir Starmer enters his final form - and it's terrible for business
14 Comments
Rachel Reeves 'hanging defence out to dry' ahead of landmark announcement
27 Comments
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Labour U-turn triggers '￡209m loss a year' as churches and hospitals hit
2 Comments
Keir Starmer 'panicking' as Nigel Farage's Reform surges in polls, chairman warns
229 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
New Reform MP blasts 'rattled' Keir Starmer after Nigel Farage rant
128 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1161 Comments
Pensioners in three council tax bands could get their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
82 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
READ MORE: Britain to build up to 12 new nuclear attack submarines to counter Russian th...
Agamemnon, the latest Royal Navy Astute Class attack submarine (Image: SWNS)
"Therefore, what you can take from this is - yes - that 3% but I am not, as the Prime Minister of a Labour Government, going to make a commitment as to the precise date, until I couldn't be sure precisely where the money is coming from, how we can make good on that commitment.
"Because I don't believe in performative fantasy politics, and certainly not on defence and security."
Powered By
00:00/01:20
10 Sec
684.1K
77
Reform UK's Richard Tice warns of ‘Starmergeddon’
Next
Stay
Nick Robinson skewered him by pointing out that there is a major difference between a commitment to reaching 3% of GDP on defence, and an 'ambition'.
Sponsored
La Compagnie | Sponsored Sponsored
Book Now
Fly New York to Paris in Luxury with La Compagnie
Undo
He pointed out: "When you're asked... you don't use the word commitment. You use the word ambition. And you're a lawyer, and you know the difference between words."
"Ambition is the sort of word a lawyer uses when they say 'well, maybe, perhaps, one day', but you won't guarantee."
Don't miss...
Britain in ‘national emergency’ says GB News star as Starmer ‘finished’ [LATEST]
BBC Breakfast migrant report leaves furious viewers all with same complaint [TV]
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike [POLITICS]
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Sir Keir said he is "not going to make a commitment to the precise date until I can be sure precisely where the money is coming from".
"I don't believe in performative fantasy politics, and certainly not on defence and security."
Mr Robinson hit back: "In the introduction to this defence review, you say the organising principle of government is our security. Now if it's the organising principle to do something you get on and do it! You're in charge!"
"And now you're saying to me 'well we might do it in nine years time if the chancellor agrees and if the numbers add up'."
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Keir Starmer 'panicking' as Nigel Farage's Reform surges in polls, chairman warns
229 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
New Reform MP blasts 'rattled' Keir Starmer after Nigel Farage rant
128 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1161 Comments
Pensioners in three council tax bands could get their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
81 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
TalkTV star loses it with Keir Starmer live on air in explosive rant: 'Keeps telling you!'
4 Comments
Andrew Bailey has shown true colours with 'disgraceful' Brexit intervention, warns expert
503 Comments
Nevada: Gov May Cover Your Cost To Install Solar If You Live In These Zip CodesEnergy Bill Cruncher | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1098 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
36 Comments
Beat Tariff Volatility with a High-Yield Savings AccountNerdWallet | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Ever-changing Keir Starmer enters his final form - and it's terrible for business
14 Comments
Rachel Reeves 'hanging defence out to dry' ahead of landmark announcement
27 Comments
Family Thought They Adopted A "Dog." When The Vet Sees It, He Says, "Oh My God"universalinfonet.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Labour U-turn triggers '￡209m loss a year' as churches and hospitals hit
2 Comments
Husband Leaves Sick Wife For His Mistress. When He Returns For Her Inheritance, She Does Thisfreshinfospot.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Keir Starmer 'panicking' as Nigel Farage's Reform surges in polls, chairman warns
229 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
The Bronx estate where JFK lived as a child seeks $6.4 millionHomes.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
New Reform MP blasts 'rattled' Keir Starmer after Nigel Farage rant
128 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1161 Comments
Milana, 38, Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos.Paperela | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Pensioners in three council tax bands could get their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
81 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Dermatologist Says These Are The Top 17 Beauty Products Of 2025Life'd Beauty | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Social Security Recipients Under $2,384/Mo Now Entitled To 12 "Kickbacks" This Month (Tap for List)SuperSavings | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Mature Dating Starts TodaySecretmeet | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
Here's The Average Price of a 6-Hour Gutter Guards UpgradeHomebuddy.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
TalkTV star loses it with Keir Starmer live on air in explosive rant: 'Keeps telling you!'
4 Comments
Andrew Bailey has shown true colours with 'disgraceful' Brexit intervention, warns expert
503 Comments
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1098 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
36 Comments
Ever-changing Keir Starmer enters his final form - and it's terrible for business
14 Comments
Rachel Reeves 'hanging defence out to dry' ahead of landmark announcement
27 Comments
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Labour U-turn triggers '￡209m loss a year' as churches and hospitals hit
2 Comments
Keir Starmer 'panicking' as Nigel Farage's Reform surges in polls, chairman warns
229 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
New Reform MP blasts 'rattled' Keir Starmer after Nigel Farage rant
128 Comments
Nigel Farage says Reform is now party of 'working people' with huge benefits announcement
1161 Comments
Pensioners in three council tax bands could get their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
81 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Remodeling Star: Cheapest Way To Get A Walk In Shower In NevadaSmart Lifestyle Trends
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Seniors Can Now Fly Business Class For the Price Of EconomyInsider | Travel Deals
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nevada: Govt Will Cover The Cost Of Solar For Eligible Homeowners In These Zip CodesEnergy Bill Cruncher
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Sarah Palin, 61,Shows Her Huge Size In New PhotosGolfhooked
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
In a 10-word putdown, he added: "It's not much of an organising principle that, is it?"
The Prime Minister insisted that his move to reach 2.5% by 2027 was earlier than many people expected, adding that "already brings huge capability."
Asked whether he could send British troops to fight Russia during his premiership, Sir Keir said "I very much hope not", but insisted that building up Britain's defences would itself act as a deterrent.