Ms Badenoch also urged Sir Keir to consider redirecting development aid and welfare funding towards defence spending.
Watch live as Sir Keir Starmer is expected to give an unexpected statement on defence today (25 February), ahead of his pivotal meeting with Donald Trump later this week.
Sir Keir will address MPs on defence and security, just days before he heads to the White House for talks with the US president about the Ukraine war.
The prime minister’s speech follows a foreign policy speech by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who said it is “critical” his trip to the US is a success.
“For example, he should consider whether some of the 0.5% currently spent on development aid should be repurposed, at least in the short term, towards defence and security.
