1 00:00:02,520 --> 00:00:08,200 Speaker 1: Bloomberg Audio Studios, podcasts, radio news, Prime Minister, just as 2 00:00:08,240 --> 00:00:10,360 Speaker 1: you're about to leave for the G seven, Israel's carried 3 00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:13,399 Speaker 1: out what it describes as a preemptive strike on Iranian 4 00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:17,000 Speaker 1: nuclear targets. Two hundred fighter jets, more than three hundred bombs, 5 00:00:17,280 --> 00:00:21,040 Speaker 1: the site struck, including homes. Would you say Israel is 6 00:00:21,160 --> 00:00:22,600 Speaker 1: justified in the action it's taken. 7 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:28,080 Speaker 2: Well, I'm very concerned about the situation that is developing, 8 00:00:28,440 --> 00:00:32,280 Speaker 2: and it's obvious that for a long time we've had 9 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:36,479 Speaker 2: grave concerns about the nuclear program that Iran is putting together, 10 00:00:36,640 --> 00:00:39,839 Speaker 2: and we absolutely recognize as Roel's right to self defense. 11 00:00:40,080 --> 00:00:43,800 Speaker 2: We the UK were not involved in this attack, and 12 00:00:44,159 --> 00:00:49,199 Speaker 2: we're urging all sides to de escalate and negotiate as 13 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:51,360 Speaker 2: the way forward here, and obviously we're talking to allies 14 00:00:52,080 --> 00:00:54,640 Speaker 2: about that. We have been this week. We are intensively 15 00:00:54,640 --> 00:00:55,720 Speaker 2: talking to allies today. 16 00:00:56,320 --> 00:00:59,279 Speaker 1: In March, US national intelligence made it public that they 17 00:00:59,320 --> 00:01:02,120 Speaker 1: did not believe Iran was developing nuclear weapons. 18 00:01:02,120 --> 00:01:04,280 Speaker 3: So has something changed in the assessment since then. 19 00:01:04,600 --> 00:01:07,800 Speaker 2: Well, I won't go into the intelligence assessments, but we 20 00:01:07,840 --> 00:01:12,479 Speaker 2: are gravely concerned. I've just had a call with President 21 00:01:12,560 --> 00:01:17,000 Speaker 2: mccron and Chancellor Mertz to discuss the situation, and we 22 00:01:17,080 --> 00:01:20,400 Speaker 2: are all on the same page in the sense of saying, look, 23 00:01:20,600 --> 00:01:23,559 Speaker 2: the nuclear program is a real cause for concern. We're 24 00:01:23,600 --> 00:01:28,039 Speaker 2: all saying de escalate in relation to this incident, but 25 00:01:28,200 --> 00:01:30,400 Speaker 2: none of us were involved in the actual attack. 26 00:01:31,240 --> 00:01:33,160 Speaker 1: Does I mean you're also gravely concerned about the fact 27 00:01:33,160 --> 00:01:36,039 Speaker 1: that Israel has taken this very made this very big 28 00:01:36,080 --> 00:01:39,679 Speaker 1: move preemptive military action. I mean you're concerned about Iran's 29 00:01:39,720 --> 00:01:42,800 Speaker 1: nuclear program, You're also concerned about Israel's choice of action. 30 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:46,520 Speaker 2: Well, I'm concerned about escalation, of course, and I'm going 31 00:01:46,560 --> 00:01:51,880 Speaker 2: to speak to Prime Minister Nettaya who shortly after this interview, 32 00:01:51,960 --> 00:01:54,480 Speaker 2: so obviously that'll be a topic of discussion. But I 33 00:01:54,520 --> 00:01:56,960 Speaker 2: do recognize Israel's right to self defense, There's no doubt 34 00:01:57,000 --> 00:01:57,440 Speaker 2: about that. 35 00:01:58,720 --> 00:02:00,640 Speaker 4: But I am very concerned about. 36 00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:03,960 Speaker 2: The escalation of this situation, which is why, along with 37 00:02:04,600 --> 00:02:07,520 Speaker 2: Germany and France, were really clear that the escalation is 38 00:02:07,560 --> 00:02:08,520 Speaker 2: what is needed here. 39 00:02:08,760 --> 00:02:13,639 Speaker 1: Would the UK therefore help defend Israel from Iranian attack 40 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:14,720 Speaker 1: as it has done before. 41 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:19,880 Speaker 2: Well, this is happening in real time as we speak, 42 00:02:19,919 --> 00:02:22,320 Speaker 2: and I'm not going to go into operational matters. If 43 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:26,000 Speaker 2: you'll forgive me for that, but as I say, the 44 00:02:26,080 --> 00:02:29,720 Speaker 2: principle of Israel's right to self defense is absolutely clear 45 00:02:29,760 --> 00:02:32,880 Speaker 2: and we stand by that. But this is a fast 46 00:02:32,919 --> 00:02:35,600 Speaker 2: moving situation, as you will understand. 47 00:02:36,040 --> 00:02:39,360 Speaker 1: At the same time, we have the ongoing situation in Gaza, 48 00:02:39,440 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 1: the suffering. They're something that you have called intolerable and appalling. 49 00:02:43,880 --> 00:02:47,080 Speaker 1: Three weeks ago, you made this very strong statement with 50 00:02:47,200 --> 00:02:50,160 Speaker 1: Canada and France which called for three things, for how 51 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:53,920 Speaker 1: master release the hostages, for Israel's military operations in Gaza 52 00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:57,200 Speaker 1: to cease, and for Israel to let aid into Gaza 53 00:02:57,240 --> 00:03:00,520 Speaker 1: in accordance with the UN, engage with the UN in it. 54 00:03:00,880 --> 00:03:03,960 Speaker 1: None of those things have happened. What action will you 55 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:05,559 Speaker 1: take now, Well. 56 00:03:05,280 --> 00:03:07,720 Speaker 2: You'll have seen that we've taken action in relation to 57 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:12,840 Speaker 2: sanctions three weeks ago, but also more recently, and it 58 00:03:12,880 --> 00:03:17,120 Speaker 2: is important that we consider what other options that we have. 59 00:03:17,360 --> 00:03:19,200 Speaker 4: I always think in these situations it's. 60 00:03:19,040 --> 00:03:21,920 Speaker 2: Better to act with allies, which is why we're coordinating 61 00:03:22,200 --> 00:03:26,559 Speaker 2: what we're doing. But the situation in Gaza is absolutely intolerable. 62 00:03:26,639 --> 00:03:31,160 Speaker 2: The aid arrangements are not adequate, nor are they going 63 00:03:31,240 --> 00:03:35,360 Speaker 2: to be adequate, and so that's why we've been consistently 64 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:37,800 Speaker 2: calling for a return to the ceasefire. 65 00:03:37,920 --> 00:03:39,880 Speaker 4: Of course, the release of the hostages. 66 00:03:39,880 --> 00:03:42,680 Speaker 2: The remaining hostages have been there a very long time 67 00:03:43,040 --> 00:03:47,320 Speaker 2: in awful circumstances, but we must get that aid in 68 00:03:48,040 --> 00:03:52,680 Speaker 2: at speed, at volume, and the current arrangements are not 69 00:03:53,040 --> 00:03:54,600 Speaker 2: going to deliver that. 70 00:03:54,720 --> 00:03:56,800 Speaker 4: And have been very clear. 71 00:03:57,440 --> 00:03:59,800 Speaker 2: In our messaging all this and our coordination all this, 72 00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:03,880 Speaker 2: and our willingness to take action such as sanctioning. 73 00:04:04,560 --> 00:04:06,800 Speaker 1: Which you've already done and as I said, there's been 74 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:10,400 Speaker 1: no change to the situation. An action you could take 75 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:13,520 Speaker 1: is recognizing a Palestinian state, and President macrom is leading 76 00:04:13,600 --> 00:04:15,840 Speaker 1: on a conference at the UN next week on that 77 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:16,680 Speaker 1: very subject. 78 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:21,000 Speaker 2: Well, we got long standing policy as a Labor party 79 00:04:21,040 --> 00:04:26,360 Speaker 2: is labor government that recognition should be part of a process, 80 00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:30,119 Speaker 2: and so that's our approach. Precisely what's going to happen 81 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:32,880 Speaker 2: in the conference next week, I think is unclear. And 82 00:04:32,880 --> 00:04:39,720 Speaker 2: obviously now the immediate issue the Israeli attack overnight, and 83 00:04:39,800 --> 00:04:42,239 Speaker 2: so there are a lot of moving parts at the moment. 84 00:04:42,279 --> 00:04:45,920 Speaker 2: But the principle, the principle we've always held is that 85 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:54,240 Speaker 2: the only long term solution in relation to Palestine in 86 00:04:54,320 --> 00:04:57,039 Speaker 2: the Middle East is a two state solution, and although 87 00:04:57,040 --> 00:04:59,880 Speaker 2: it seems further off now than perhaps it's seen for 88 00:05:00,080 --> 00:05:02,360 Speaker 2: some time, we have to be clear that is the 89 00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:07,760 Speaker 2: only path through that recognition the right part of the 90 00:05:07,800 --> 00:05:09,760 Speaker 2: process has always been our long standing policy. 91 00:05:09,839 --> 00:05:11,800 Speaker 1: So why would this not be the moment because the 92 00:05:11,839 --> 00:05:14,080 Speaker 1: action you've taken so far has not resulted in a 93 00:05:14,200 --> 00:05:17,200 Speaker 1: change on the ground, and in the West Bank there's 94 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:20,920 Speaker 1: an expansion of settlements, and there are Palestinians being expelled 95 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:24,240 Speaker 1: from their homes, and there are the extremist actions of 96 00:05:24,320 --> 00:05:28,040 Speaker 1: Israeli settlers. Britain has a historic responsibility, doesn't it, And 97 00:05:28,440 --> 00:05:31,279 Speaker 1: recognizing of Palestinian state was in your manifesto. Do you 98 00:05:31,320 --> 00:05:33,479 Speaker 1: want to be the British Prime Minister who delivers that. 99 00:05:33,880 --> 00:05:35,680 Speaker 4: Well, we do have a special responsibility. 100 00:05:35,720 --> 00:05:39,560 Speaker 2: You're absolutely right about that and I'm clear and our 101 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:43,800 Speaker 2: manifesto was clear about our position on recognition. But it 102 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:48,080 Speaker 2: must be the appropriate part of the process that will 103 00:05:48,440 --> 00:05:50,760 Speaker 2: alleviate the situation, which it doesn't exist. 104 00:05:50,480 --> 00:05:52,720 Speaker 3: At the moment. There is no peace process. 105 00:05:52,880 --> 00:05:55,720 Speaker 4: Well, that's why it must be part of the process. 106 00:05:55,760 --> 00:05:59,760 Speaker 2: Obviously, as you would expect, we are talking to ally 107 00:06:00,279 --> 00:06:04,680 Speaker 2: like minded countries about this very issue, but it must 108 00:06:04,760 --> 00:06:07,840 Speaker 2: be in accord with the manifesto, part of a process 109 00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:09,480 Speaker 2: that leads to a. 110 00:06:09,400 --> 00:06:10,480 Speaker 4: Two state solution. 111 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:14,960 Speaker 2: It's the outcome that matters in this hugely given the 112 00:06:15,240 --> 00:06:16,200 Speaker 2: intolerable situation. 113 00:06:16,400 --> 00:06:17,080 Speaker 3: Can you see the. 114 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:19,960 Speaker 1: Moment where you might, in fact, well, can you see 115 00:06:19,960 --> 00:06:22,440 Speaker 1: the moment where you might have to do things independently 116 00:06:22,480 --> 00:06:24,359 Speaker 1: of any process, because there isn't one. And indeed, the 117 00:06:24,400 --> 00:06:28,440 Speaker 1: Israeli government is saying openly that it's trying to prevent 118 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:32,279 Speaker 1: the expand the establishment of a Paralestinian state through settlement expansion. 119 00:06:32,320 --> 00:06:35,159 Speaker 2: Well, that's why we're talking to international partners about what 120 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:37,880 Speaker 2: can be done, what should be done, what's the appropriate path, 121 00:06:39,120 --> 00:06:40,640 Speaker 2: and we'll continue to do that. 122 00:06:40,680 --> 00:06:43,719 Speaker 4: I strongly believe that we are. 123 00:06:43,720 --> 00:06:47,560 Speaker 2: Better, more effective when we're acting with allies with others 124 00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:49,080 Speaker 2: at the same time. That's why we took the approach 125 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:51,880 Speaker 2: we did on sanctions, and it's the same mindset that 126 00:06:51,920 --> 00:06:52,440 Speaker 2: I bring to this. 127 00:06:53,160 --> 00:06:57,760 Speaker 1: Speaking of sanctions, let's turn to Russia. And you've worked 128 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:02,200 Speaker 1: very very hard on to to help the US administration 129 00:07:02,279 --> 00:07:06,280 Speaker 1: see Ukraine slightly differently, to push them further towards a 130 00:07:06,360 --> 00:07:09,200 Speaker 1: greater action on Russian and you'll be seeing President Trump 131 00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:10,720 Speaker 1: at the G seven summit. 132 00:07:11,120 --> 00:07:13,960 Speaker 3: Do you understand what he is trying to do on Russia. 133 00:07:14,840 --> 00:07:16,840 Speaker 2: I am clear in my own mind that President Trump 134 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:18,560 Speaker 2: wants to bring that an end to the conflict. 135 00:07:18,960 --> 00:07:20,640 Speaker 4: I have no doubt about. 136 00:07:20,360 --> 00:07:26,320 Speaker 2: That, and we are moving closer. I hope to some 137 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:30,200 Speaker 2: sort of ceasefire, some sort of deal Ukraine. President Zelenski 138 00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:35,640 Speaker 2: has been absolutely clear that he wants that unconditional cease fire. Putin, 139 00:07:35,680 --> 00:07:37,880 Speaker 2: in my ivy, was dragging his heels, which is why 140 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:40,480 Speaker 2: I think it is important for us, together with others, 141 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:43,520 Speaker 2: to say it will be consequences if Russia doesn't come 142 00:07:43,920 --> 00:07:46,560 Speaker 2: forward to an unconditional cease fire. 143 00:07:46,600 --> 00:07:48,640 Speaker 1: And it seemed that you had it, did seem that 144 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:51,280 Speaker 1: you had you you thought you had persuaded President Trump 145 00:07:51,360 --> 00:07:52,960 Speaker 1: on that when you went to Kiev, when you and 146 00:07:53,000 --> 00:07:56,320 Speaker 1: the other European leaders called him, you said, working with 147 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:59,640 Speaker 1: President Trump, we're going to ramp up sanctions, and then 148 00:07:59,840 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 1: not thing came of it. President Trump talked tough for 149 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:06,360 Speaker 1: a while about Vladimir Putin and then stopped. So is 150 00:08:06,400 --> 00:08:08,080 Speaker 1: he going to pressure mister Putin? 151 00:08:08,320 --> 00:08:10,720 Speaker 2: Well, there are discussions going on the whole time, and 152 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:13,640 Speaker 2: we're working with the Ukrainians, working with the US, as 153 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:17,120 Speaker 2: you would expect with a trusted ally in this the 154 00:08:17,360 --> 00:08:22,200 Speaker 2: path to piece is rarely straightforward in any conflict. But 155 00:08:22,280 --> 00:08:25,640 Speaker 2: I do believe that that is what President Trump wants. 156 00:08:25,800 --> 00:08:31,360 Speaker 2: That is absolutely what the Ukrainians want peace. This is 157 00:08:31,400 --> 00:08:35,439 Speaker 2: a conflict of war that's been waged on them by 158 00:08:35,440 --> 00:08:38,439 Speaker 2: the aggressor, which is Russia, and so we are doing 159 00:08:38,480 --> 00:08:41,000 Speaker 2: everything we can to bring about that outcome. But as 160 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:46,040 Speaker 2: I say, the path from conflict to piece is rarely straightforward. 161 00:08:46,120 --> 00:08:48,800 Speaker 2: But I'm absolutely determined that the UK will play a 162 00:08:48,920 --> 00:08:52,280 Speaker 2: leading part, and I'm very pleased that the UK has 163 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:54,800 Speaker 2: seemed to be able to play that leading part in. 164 00:08:54,760 --> 00:08:55,760 Speaker 4: Resolving the conflict. 165 00:08:55,800 --> 00:08:59,960 Speaker 2: And I remind myself always that not only is this 166 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:03,000 Speaker 2: about the sovereignty of Ukraine, which of course it is, 167 00:09:03,080 --> 00:09:06,679 Speaker 2: but it is also about our values in Europe, and 168 00:09:06,679 --> 00:09:09,199 Speaker 2: it's also about the direct impact it has back here 169 00:09:09,200 --> 00:09:11,920 Speaker 2: at home in the United Kingdom, because whether it's energy 170 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:15,120 Speaker 2: or the cost of living, familist communities, individuals in the 171 00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:19,040 Speaker 2: UK have been impacted by what's happening in Ukraine, and 172 00:09:19,120 --> 00:09:23,400 Speaker 2: therefore we need to redouble our efforts to bring about 173 00:09:24,080 --> 00:09:28,160 Speaker 2: a lasting piece on a temporary piece, a lasting piece. 174 00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:30,760 Speaker 1: Are you saying that you do believe that President Trump 175 00:09:30,760 --> 00:09:34,800 Speaker 1: will bring in sanctions on Russia, new sanctions, the kind 176 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:37,040 Speaker 1: of measure that might pressure put In to come to 177 00:09:37,080 --> 00:09:38,080 Speaker 1: the negotiating table. 178 00:09:38,360 --> 00:09:40,719 Speaker 2: He said on a number of occasions that's what he 179 00:09:40,800 --> 00:09:43,679 Speaker 2: will do, and we're obviously closely aligning and talking to him. 180 00:09:43,679 --> 00:09:45,559 Speaker 1: He also said he did in the war in twenty four hours. 181 00:09:45,720 --> 00:09:49,560 Speaker 2: Well, as I said, the if you look at any 182 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:55,440 Speaker 2: conflict historically, the past to piece has never been straightforward. 183 00:09:55,559 --> 00:10:00,920 Speaker 2: But the determination is there, the intent is there, and 184 00:10:01,200 --> 00:10:04,680 Speaker 2: I do believe we're making progress, but it must be 185 00:10:04,720 --> 00:10:05,800 Speaker 2: a lasting piece. 186 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:09,440 Speaker 1: You have led on this idea of the Coalition of 187 00:10:09,520 --> 00:10:13,360 Speaker 1: the Willing and a reassurance force for postwar Ukraine. Have 188 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:15,240 Speaker 1: you got a commitment from the US that it would 189 00:10:15,280 --> 00:10:18,640 Speaker 1: provide air cover for that future force to deter Russia 190 00:10:18,679 --> 00:10:20,439 Speaker 1: from attacking Ukraine in the future. 191 00:10:20,840 --> 00:10:24,920 Speaker 2: Well, President Trump has clearly said he'll have our back, 192 00:10:25,080 --> 00:10:27,480 Speaker 2: and I've always been clear that there must be a 193 00:10:27,600 --> 00:10:31,800 Speaker 2: US element to this. But on the other hand, I 194 00:10:31,840 --> 00:10:35,360 Speaker 2: do think that Europe needs to step up in its 195 00:10:35,400 --> 00:10:39,880 Speaker 2: own right, in its own collective security and self defense. 196 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:43,760 Speaker 2: And that's why, along with President macarn we have led, 197 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:46,400 Speaker 2: as it were, on the coalition of the willing, which 198 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:49,280 Speaker 2: is to go, if you like it, at the pace 199 00:10:49,320 --> 00:10:52,440 Speaker 2: of those that want to go furthest rather than at 200 00:10:52,440 --> 00:10:55,720 Speaker 2: the pace of those who are the most cautious, and 201 00:10:55,840 --> 00:10:57,360 Speaker 2: to start some of the planning that is going to 202 00:10:57,400 --> 00:10:59,199 Speaker 2: be needed. Then the further we get into the planning 203 00:10:59,240 --> 00:11:02,880 Speaker 2: of what's actually going we needed in the air, in 204 00:11:02,920 --> 00:11:07,040 Speaker 2: the sea, and possibly on land, the more convinced I 205 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:11,000 Speaker 2: am this is the military planning that that is planning 206 00:11:11,120 --> 00:11:13,640 Speaker 2: needs to go on now. It's planning that can't go 207 00:11:13,720 --> 00:11:17,440 Speaker 2: on after the event, so that we're ready for whatever happened. Obviously, 208 00:11:18,000 --> 00:11:20,200 Speaker 2: there's a lot of moving parts. There's a lot of 209 00:11:21,040 --> 00:11:24,360 Speaker 2: questions that aren't answered yet, but the military planning is 210 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:25,920 Speaker 2: getting to quite an advanced stage. 211 00:11:25,960 --> 00:11:26,480 Speaker 3: Now. 212 00:11:26,720 --> 00:11:30,240 Speaker 1: Having your back, as President Trump has said, is not 213 00:11:30,280 --> 00:11:34,160 Speaker 1: the same as saying I will provide US air cover. 214 00:11:34,240 --> 00:11:37,000 Speaker 1: Bloomberg's been told that the US is refusing to commit 215 00:11:37,240 --> 00:11:39,040 Speaker 1: to air cover for a post warforce. 216 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:42,880 Speaker 2: Well, I'm not going to get into the private discussions 217 00:11:42,880 --> 00:11:44,440 Speaker 2: that we are having, but what I would say is 218 00:11:44,480 --> 00:11:50,280 Speaker 2: this that there are no two countries that act as 219 00:11:50,320 --> 00:11:54,679 Speaker 2: closely together on defense, security and on intelligence sharing as 220 00:11:54,679 --> 00:11:58,640 Speaker 2: the US and the UK, and that aspect of our 221 00:11:58,679 --> 00:12:03,240 Speaker 2: relationship is a strong today as it's ever been, and 222 00:12:03,320 --> 00:12:06,240 Speaker 2: my commitment to it is their President Trump's commitment to 223 00:12:06,280 --> 00:12:10,120 Speaker 2: it is there. We've discussed it between ourselves, so that 224 00:12:10,240 --> 00:12:14,040 Speaker 2: is an unshakable link between our two countries. 225 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:15,800 Speaker 1: It does make it difficult, though, doesn't it for you 226 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:19,080 Speaker 1: to and would you be prepared to put us to 227 00:12:19,080 --> 00:12:21,560 Speaker 1: put British troops on the ground as part of a 228 00:12:21,600 --> 00:12:24,559 Speaker 1: post war force in Ukraine if there wasn't US air 229 00:12:24,600 --> 00:12:25,720 Speaker 1: cover to protect them? 230 00:12:25,920 --> 00:12:28,600 Speaker 2: Well, I've always said there needs to be US protection. 231 00:12:29,320 --> 00:12:31,200 Speaker 2: I have said we would be willing to put our 232 00:12:31,240 --> 00:12:33,960 Speaker 2: troops on the ground, but there has to be that 233 00:12:34,200 --> 00:12:35,960 Speaker 2: US backstock if you like. 234 00:12:36,040 --> 00:12:37,960 Speaker 3: So if it's not there, what happens to the worst 235 00:12:38,120 --> 00:12:38,559 Speaker 3: or force. 236 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:42,560 Speaker 2: We are discussing this, but I have no reason to 237 00:12:42,760 --> 00:12:47,400 Speaker 2: believe that the US and the UK wouldn't act together 238 00:12:47,440 --> 00:12:50,520 Speaker 2: as we'd done historically for many many years, as we 239 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:54,800 Speaker 2: are doing every single day of the week. Our teams 240 00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:57,120 Speaker 2: are in constant touch with each other. As I say, 241 00:12:57,200 --> 00:13:00,920 Speaker 2: we must never lose sight of the fact that the 242 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:03,360 Speaker 2: US and the UK are as close as any two 243 00:13:03,400 --> 00:13:07,080 Speaker 2: countries on defense security and the intelligence that we share 244 00:13:07,360 --> 00:13:07,960 Speaker 2: with each other. 245 00:13:09,000 --> 00:13:11,760 Speaker 1: There's another live bilateral issue, which is the state of 246 00:13:11,800 --> 00:13:13,960 Speaker 1: your trade agreement and the hope that you will implement 247 00:13:14,000 --> 00:13:16,439 Speaker 1: it in the timeframe you yourself set was two weeks, 248 00:13:16,440 --> 00:13:19,480 Speaker 1: which would take us to next Wednesday. So will it 249 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:21,040 Speaker 1: be implemented in that timeframe. 250 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:23,600 Speaker 2: We're in the final stages of implementing now. I'm very 251 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:26,600 Speaker 2: pleased that we reach that agreement. It was a huge 252 00:13:26,679 --> 00:13:30,880 Speaker 2: relief to car manufacturing those working in the sector, particularly 253 00:13:30,960 --> 00:13:33,960 Speaker 2: JILR workers that I went to see before we started 254 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:37,439 Speaker 2: the negotiations, and I went to see immediately after negotiations, 255 00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:41,400 Speaker 2: and so this is measured in jobs protected, jobs created 256 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:44,600 Speaker 2: by this deal. We are at the implementation stage, but 257 00:13:44,640 --> 00:13:47,520 Speaker 2: we're at the end of that process, and I hope 258 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:48,600 Speaker 2: that we can complete. 259 00:13:48,280 --> 00:13:49,400 Speaker 4: It pretty soon. 260 00:13:49,480 --> 00:13:51,840 Speaker 1: Now is that the same as within the two weeks 261 00:13:51,920 --> 00:13:52,800 Speaker 1: by next Wednesday? 262 00:13:52,920 --> 00:13:55,760 Speaker 2: Oh, I'm hoping that we will complete it pretty soon. 263 00:13:55,960 --> 00:13:58,280 Speaker 2: I mean, it's important that we do. But we're making 264 00:13:58,320 --> 00:14:02,000 Speaker 2: good progress. There's nothing ex affected in the implementation and 265 00:14:02,080 --> 00:14:05,920 Speaker 2: so we haven't got any hiccups or obstacles. 266 00:14:05,920 --> 00:14:07,440 Speaker 3: Why isn't it done yet? 267 00:14:07,600 --> 00:14:10,360 Speaker 2: Because there are both sides agreed, what they would do 268 00:14:10,400 --> 00:14:13,040 Speaker 2: in order to implement and so we're working through what 269 00:14:13,080 --> 00:14:14,960 Speaker 2: we the UK have to do, what the US is 270 00:14:15,120 --> 00:14:17,520 Speaker 2: going to do so we can implement it. 271 00:14:17,559 --> 00:14:19,840 Speaker 4: That was as we envisaged not. 272 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:21,800 Speaker 1: Long after the G seven sumit. You'll have the NATO 273 00:14:21,880 --> 00:14:24,720 Speaker 1: summit coming up, and there there is a very specific 274 00:14:24,800 --> 00:14:28,280 Speaker 1: new ask, which is that the US administration says is 275 00:14:28,360 --> 00:14:31,000 Speaker 1: NATO itself says is to spend five percent of GDP 276 00:14:31,440 --> 00:14:34,480 Speaker 1: on defense, understood to be by the year twenty thirty two, 277 00:14:34,960 --> 00:14:38,000 Speaker 1: three and a half percent on core defense spending. 278 00:14:38,120 --> 00:14:39,680 Speaker 3: Will you be committing to that? 279 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:43,400 Speaker 2: Well, let me go through what we've already committed to, 280 00:14:43,480 --> 00:14:47,120 Speaker 2: which is obviously two point five percent of GDP being 281 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:50,360 Speaker 2: spent on defense by twenty twenty seven twenty eight. I 282 00:14:50,400 --> 00:14:53,320 Speaker 2: think that's earlier than most people thought we would commit to, 283 00:14:53,440 --> 00:14:56,800 Speaker 2: and that's the biggest sustain increase in defense spending since 284 00:14:56,840 --> 00:14:59,160 Speaker 2: the Cold War. With an ambition then to go to 285 00:14:59,200 --> 00:15:02,480 Speaker 2: three percent in the next Parliament set that all out 286 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:08,760 Speaker 2: alongside our Strategic Defense Review. I'd sept the proposition. I've 287 00:15:08,840 --> 00:15:13,359 Speaker 2: advanced the proposition about the importance of NATO. Our Strategic 288 00:15:13,400 --> 00:15:19,200 Speaker 2: Defense Review is very much NATO first, and that all European. 289 00:15:18,880 --> 00:15:21,040 Speaker 4: Countries need to step up. 290 00:15:21,160 --> 00:15:24,200 Speaker 2: There's been a sort of criticism that Europe hasn't carried 291 00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:25,600 Speaker 2: its fair share of the burden. 292 00:15:25,800 --> 00:15:27,440 Speaker 4: I think that's right. 293 00:15:27,720 --> 00:15:29,720 Speaker 2: So I've said to European allies we need to do 294 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:34,720 Speaker 2: more on spend on capability and cooperation. Obviously, the precise 295 00:15:34,840 --> 00:15:37,480 Speaker 2: wording that will be agreed that NATO is still a 296 00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:40,720 Speaker 2: matter of some negotiation. Well, what I'm really clear about 297 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:44,920 Speaker 2: is that NATO has been the cornerstone of our defense 298 00:15:45,040 --> 00:15:51,080 Speaker 2: for eighty plus years. It is the most important successful 299 00:15:51,120 --> 00:15:54,280 Speaker 2: military alliance that's ever been and I think it's important 300 00:15:54,320 --> 00:15:56,880 Speaker 2: for that summit in just over a week's time to 301 00:15:56,960 --> 00:16:00,360 Speaker 2: be a real show of unity and to show our 302 00:16:00,400 --> 00:16:03,920 Speaker 2: responsibility not just to reflect on the last eighty years 303 00:16:03,920 --> 00:16:06,440 Speaker 2: of NATO, but to play our part in ensuring that 304 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:09,280 Speaker 2: we continue peace in Europe. 305 00:16:09,280 --> 00:16:11,760 Speaker 1: And that's all NATO, and that's the broad picture. But 306 00:16:11,800 --> 00:16:14,840 Speaker 1: there is now this very specific loss and your current commitment, 307 00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:19,600 Speaker 1: as your current ambition, is for three percent of GDP 308 00:16:19,720 --> 00:16:22,680 Speaker 1: spent on defense by the year twenty thirty four in 309 00:16:22,720 --> 00:16:26,040 Speaker 1: the next parliament. So could it be your ambition by 310 00:16:26,080 --> 00:16:28,480 Speaker 1: the time of this summit to raise that to three 311 00:16:28,480 --> 00:16:30,840 Speaker 1: and a half percent, because if you don't, you can't 312 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:33,960 Speaker 1: really claim to be the leading European nation in NATO. 313 00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:38,640 Speaker 2: Well, I had Mark Rotter, the Sexuary General of NATO, 314 00:16:38,760 --> 00:16:43,800 Speaker 2: here in this room on Monday to discuss how together 315 00:16:43,840 --> 00:16:46,400 Speaker 2: we would go into this summit. And there's still discussions 316 00:16:46,440 --> 00:16:49,320 Speaker 2: going on as to price precisely what the wording of 317 00:16:49,400 --> 00:16:49,680 Speaker 2: what the. 318 00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:50,480 Speaker 4: Commitment will be. 319 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:53,080 Speaker 2: But I mean, he was very clear to me that 320 00:16:53,120 --> 00:16:56,720 Speaker 2: he welcomed our uplift to two point five percent. It 321 00:16:56,840 --> 00:16:58,400 Speaker 2: was very pleased that we had done that. It was 322 00:16:58,520 --> 00:17:00,640 Speaker 2: very pleased with a strategic defense, It's all good. 323 00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:03,320 Speaker 1: It's just a long way from what he and the 324 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:04,560 Speaker 1: US says everyone's going. 325 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:07,359 Speaker 3: To agree to this within weeks. Forget week, We're going 326 00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:08,880 Speaker 3: to be a very difficult summit. 327 00:17:08,680 --> 00:17:11,840 Speaker 2: To NATO, not just in our troops but also our 328 00:17:11,960 --> 00:17:15,800 Speaker 2: nuclear commitment to NATO. We're the only country that commits 329 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:20,320 Speaker 2: our nuclear capability to NATO. And so I think he 330 00:17:20,359 --> 00:17:24,920 Speaker 2: would recognize NATO recognizes that the UK makes a huge 331 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:28,560 Speaker 2: contribution to NATO. And I am absolutely determined that that 332 00:17:28,640 --> 00:17:30,960 Speaker 2: summit in just over a week will be a huge 333 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:37,359 Speaker 2: success and an opportunity to show the strength together that 334 00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:40,240 Speaker 2: we have as NATO allies, but also to send a 335 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:44,959 Speaker 2: very clear message to our adversaries, which is equally important 336 00:17:45,160 --> 00:17:48,120 Speaker 2: in what is a more unstable world and I think 337 00:17:48,119 --> 00:17:49,840 Speaker 2: we've seen for many, many years. 338 00:17:50,040 --> 00:17:52,960 Speaker 1: Finally, let's return to the UK and the plans that 339 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:55,360 Speaker 1: you've just set out for national renewal for a new 340 00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:58,199 Speaker 1: phase of your government. There are some concerns that the 341 00:17:58,240 --> 00:18:01,320 Speaker 1: growth picture is not necessarily going to with the forecast 342 00:18:01,440 --> 00:18:04,840 Speaker 1: going to support your spending plans. And there is a 343 00:18:04,880 --> 00:18:08,520 Speaker 1: group of people that Bloomberg have looked into company filings 344 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:11,160 Speaker 1: and they've seen that thousands of company directors have left 345 00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:13,680 Speaker 1: the country, relocating out of the UK in the last year. 346 00:18:14,040 --> 00:18:15,800 Speaker 1: Is this a group of people that you can really 347 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:18,480 Speaker 1: afford to use? Don't you need to have those people 348 00:18:18,840 --> 00:18:21,160 Speaker 1: here to look at the opportunities for investment? 349 00:18:21,400 --> 00:18:22,960 Speaker 3: Might you consider an investor visa? 350 00:18:23,480 --> 00:18:26,520 Speaker 2: Well, let me put this in the context because obviously, 351 00:18:27,600 --> 00:18:29,199 Speaker 2: and I won't go over this at great detail, but 352 00:18:29,280 --> 00:18:33,640 Speaker 2: we inherited a complete mess at the election. Almost everything 353 00:18:33,720 --> 00:18:38,280 Speaker 2: was broken, the economy, public services, you name it. We 354 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:41,480 Speaker 2: had to take difficult but right decisions in the budget, 355 00:18:41,680 --> 00:18:44,360 Speaker 2: and that, if you like, was year one of this 356 00:18:44,440 --> 00:18:46,919 Speaker 2: labor government, which was clear up the mess, take the 357 00:18:47,080 --> 00:18:51,040 Speaker 2: difficult but necessary decisions. We're now very clearly moving into 358 00:18:51,160 --> 00:18:54,399 Speaker 2: sort of phase two, which is what the spending Review 359 00:18:54,520 --> 00:18:58,159 Speaker 2: ushers in, which is being clear what's the benefit from this, 360 00:18:58,320 --> 00:18:59,520 Speaker 2: what's the yield? 361 00:18:59,800 --> 00:19:01,080 Speaker 4: Where are you putting your money? 362 00:19:01,119 --> 00:19:04,359 Speaker 2: And I'm really proud that we're rolling out a program 363 00:19:04,400 --> 00:19:08,160 Speaker 2: of real labor values in terms of investment, whether that's 364 00:19:08,200 --> 00:19:09,760 Speaker 2: things like say as well. 365 00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:13,159 Speaker 1: So might investors be part of it? It's just like, 366 00:19:13,240 --> 00:19:14,280 Speaker 1: is it something you're considering. 367 00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:17,159 Speaker 2: I want more investors to come into the country. I 368 00:19:17,200 --> 00:19:19,480 Speaker 2: want top talent to come into the country. But I 369 00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:23,120 Speaker 2: would just push back a little because we've had record 370 00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:27,679 Speaker 2: investment into the UK since the last election. We've just 371 00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:32,399 Speaker 2: had London Tech Week where we had some of the 372 00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:38,919 Speaker 2: most forward leading investment investors and tech companies absolutely singing 373 00:19:38,960 --> 00:19:41,359 Speaker 2: the praises of the UK and why now is the 374 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:44,080 Speaker 2: right time to invest in them. 375 00:19:44,359 --> 00:19:46,439 Speaker 1: Is also lost about a quarter of a million jobs 376 00:19:46,440 --> 00:19:49,480 Speaker 1: since since the autumn, so it's not all as rosy 377 00:19:49,520 --> 00:19:50,600 Speaker 1: as we actually. 378 00:19:50,680 --> 00:19:53,000 Speaker 2: I mean five hundred thousand more people in work than 379 00:19:53,440 --> 00:19:56,080 Speaker 2: at the date of the last election, and the. 380 00:19:56,600 --> 00:19:59,600 Speaker 1: Actual since since you raise taxes in the in the autumn. 381 00:19:59,680 --> 00:20:01,560 Speaker 1: This is the Bloomberg analysis that a quarter of a 382 00:20:01,600 --> 00:20:03,080 Speaker 1: million jobs have been lost. 383 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:05,920 Speaker 2: If he looked at the number of people in work, 384 00:20:05,960 --> 00:20:08,240 Speaker 2: it is five hundred thousand more than it was. If 385 00:20:08,280 --> 00:20:12,200 Speaker 2: you look at the commitment and spending Defense Strategic Review, 386 00:20:12,200 --> 00:20:15,879 Speaker 2: there's thirty thousand jobs in nuclear submarines size well that 387 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:18,959 Speaker 2: we announced earlier this week, there's ten thousand jobs. And 388 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:22,000 Speaker 2: my job is to make sure that good and well paid, 389 00:20:22,040 --> 00:20:25,000 Speaker 2: secure jobs are there and to attract that investment and 390 00:20:25,840 --> 00:20:28,320 Speaker 2: for international investment. I do think this is a really 391 00:20:28,320 --> 00:20:33,000 Speaker 2: important point and Bloomberg will understand this almost better than anyone. 392 00:20:33,400 --> 00:20:37,680 Speaker 2: Those global investors have a choice as to which country 393 00:20:37,680 --> 00:20:40,040 Speaker 2: they put their money in. They chose not to put 394 00:20:40,040 --> 00:20:42,359 Speaker 2: their money into the UK for many years before the election. 395 00:20:42,920 --> 00:20:46,400 Speaker 2: Now we've had record inward investment. That is because they've 396 00:20:46,400 --> 00:20:49,480 Speaker 2: got confidence in what we're doing. They're putting their money in, 397 00:20:50,520 --> 00:20:52,959 Speaker 2: and that to me speaks volume. 398 00:20:53,160 --> 00:20:55,439 Speaker 1: Final thought, is President Trump coming in September for his 399 00:20:55,440 --> 00:20:56,040 Speaker 1: state visit. 400 00:20:56,440 --> 00:20:59,919 Speaker 2: Oh, he'll be coming in obviously, the Palace will all 401 00:21:00,040 --> 00:21:01,119 Speaker 2: organize the dates. 402 00:21:01,160 --> 00:21:04,359 Speaker 4: But President Trump will be coming for his state visit 403 00:21:04,440 --> 00:21:06,359 Speaker 4: and in the autumn, and that is really good well, 404 00:21:06,400 --> 00:21:07,840 Speaker 4: the Palace will do it. 405 00:21:07,920 --> 00:21:09,159 Speaker 3: But it is here. 406 00:21:09,359 --> 00:21:12,199 Speaker 2: Well I hope so yes, But as I say, i'll 407 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:14,879 Speaker 2: leave it, I want to take over the job of 408 00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:19,480 Speaker 2: the Palace. It's their job to set out exactly the 409 00:21:19,560 --> 00:21:22,159 Speaker 2: dates of the invitation. But I'm really pleased that we 410 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:24,600 Speaker 2: will be able to showcase the close relationship we have 411 00:21:24,800 --> 00:21:29,360 Speaker 2: between the UK and the US. That's historically a close relationship, 412 00:21:30,280 --> 00:21:33,000 Speaker 2: and this will be a historic second visit for President 413 00:21:33,080 --> 00:21:35,720 Speaker 2: Trump and we're all looking forward to welcoming him here. 414 00:21:36,160 --> 00:21:37,480 Speaker 3: Prime Minister, thank you very much. 415 00:21:37,640 --> 00:21:38,080 Speaker 4: Thank you.