Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson sought to manage expectations ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the US.

Raising UK defence spending to 2.5% of national income is “ambitious”, a Cabinet minister has insisted as the Government faces pressure to increase investment amid uncertainty over the future of the war in Ukraine.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson sought to manage expectations ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the US as Washington demands European allies shoulder the overwhelming share of the burden of security on the continent.

The Prime Minister is expected to use next week’s trip, which will follow meetings between Mr Trump and the leaders of France and Poland, to confirm a timeline to increase UK defence spending as he seeks to ease tensions amid a growing transatlantic rift.

However, he is unlikely to commit to raising spending above 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), which senior figures including Nato secretary general Mark Rutte have argued will ultimately be necessary to protect national interests.

Speaking to broadcasters on Sunday’s morning media round, Ms Phillipson said the UK would significantly increase its commitment and urged other allies to “step up alongside that.”

Asked whether the Prime Minister would promise Donald Trump that Britain will spend “much more” when he meets the US President next week, Ms Phillipson told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme:........

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