Tuesday briefing: How the UK’s military spending row exposes Starmer’s defence dilemma

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence and Treasury are engaged in a prolonged dispute over defense spending, a conflict that has intensified ahead of the G7 meeting in France, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attending. This debate highlights broader questions about Britain's global role and the evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. These international situations may necessitate greater involvement from the British military. Meanwhile, at the G7 summit, Donald Trump has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be "completely open" from Friday, as world leaders attempt to stabilize a delicate deal with Iran. Separately, Kim Leadbeater, a Labour MP and sister of the late Jo Cox, has commented that political division and hatred in the UK are likely more severe now than in the period leading up to the Brexit referendum.