Lammy talks up Trump defence spending document – however blasts ‘surprising’ language

David Lammy has talked up Donald Trump’s record on defence spending – but hit out at the ex-President’s “shocking” language in office.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary claimed the former Republican President’s attitude to the security of Europe is “often misunderstood”. He also said Labour is “totally committed” to the Special Relationship and will work with the US “whatever the weather and whoever wins” November’s Presidential election.

Mr Lammy’s speech at the American conservative think-tank the Hudson Institute came as he attempted to woo both Republicans and Democrats in Washington DC. Addressing the ex-President, he said: “I do not believe he is arguing that the US should abandon Europe. He wants Europeans to do more to ensure a better defended Europe.

“Were is his words in office a little shocking? Yes, they were. Would I have used them? Probably not. But US spending on European defence actually grew under President Trump, as did the defence spending of the wider alliance, during his tenure. “

He added: “When he began his campaign only four countries were spending their 2% of GDP. The number was 10 by the time he left office. And it is 18 today. I tell my European friends. Don’t personalise this. ‘Do more’ is the American ask whoever wins.”

During his four-year stint in the White House the disgraced ex-President repeatedly bashed European countries over defence spending He reportedly threatened “grave consequences” to allies not ramping up spending and accused Germany of being a “captive of Russia“. Just a few months ago the White House also criticised Mr Trump for “appalling and unhinged” comments after suggesting he would “encourage” Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to Nato members failing to meet their defence spending targets.

In his speech today, Mr Lammy also praised President Joe Biden after Congress passed a $61billion to support Ukraine‘s fight against Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion. He said: “Your support is not just for Ukraine, it has helped defend our whole continent, and our whole alliance. President Biden deserves our enduring praise for securing this.”

And he hit at ex-PM David Cameron’s “golden era” approach to China the day after Beijing was accused of hacking the Ministry of Defence. While not addressing the massive data breach of a payroll system containing the bank details of armed services personnel, Mr Lammy said: “The laissez-faire policy of David Cameron’s ‘golden era’ of UK-China relations still hangs over Britain.

“The government does not know the full extent of Chinese finance within UK universities, research institutes and critical national infrastructure. A major focus for the next Labour government will be to identify vulnerabilities. The yard around which we must erect a higher fence. That is why the next Labour government will launch a comprehensive audit of UK-China relations on entering office.”

Mr Lammy also praised the UK-US Special Relationship, saying: “Britain will always work with the United States. Whatever the weather and whoever wins. If Keir Starmer’s Labour Party wins the privilege to serve, we will do the same.”

He appeared at the event alongside the senior Republican senator and James Risch, who endorsed Mr Trump’s re-election bid earlier this year. The Labour frontbencher, who is friends with ex-President Barack Obama, is on a two-day visit where he will also hold meetings with close allies of Joe Biden. He will meet senior White House officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.