PM meeting with NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte: 16 September 2026
The Prime Minister met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus to discuss defence innovation, Ukraine support, and regional stability, including a £100m UK contribution to defensive equipment.
The Prime Minister welcomed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, highlighting the region’s defence technology sector. The leaders emphasised the UK’s role in advancing NATO’s future capabilities across all domains, including through the newly released national space strategy aimed at bolstering innovation and resilience.
Discussions turned to Ukraine, where the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts to secure additional air defence for the country. He referenced his recent visit to Kyiv as part of this ongoing focus on Ukraine’s security needs.
Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed gratitude for the UK’s £100m contribution to the PURL funding initiative, announced last week, which supports the provision of further defensive equipment to Ukraine.
Both leaders underscored the importance of long-term stability and security in the Middle East, with plans to continue their dialogue in the near future.