Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte appointed as head of Nato - amid huge global tensions with the war in Ukraine and possible Donald Trump White House return

The outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been appointed as Nato's new secretary general.

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer congratulated Mr Rutte, who will take charge of the defence alliance in October amid the war in Ukraine and a wider stand off between Nato and Russia.

Mr Rutte will also have to contend with the possibility of the return of Donald Trump to the White House. 

Mr Trump has previously criticised Nato allies not spending the required 2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence.

Mr Rutte takes over from Norway's Jens Stoltenberg who spent more than a decade at the helm.

Depending on the outcome of the General Election, either Sir Keir or Mr Sunak will likely meet with fellow Nato leaders at a summit in Washington DC just days after the poll as prime minister. 

Writing on X, Mr Sunak said: 'I am confident you will continue Jens Stoltenberg's outstanding work in keeping Nato strong and united, as we work to strengthen our collective defence and support Ukraine's fight for freedom.'

Sir Keir said: 'As prime minister of the Netherlands for well over a decade, Mark has shown he has the knowledge, experience and strength to be an excellent secretary general in these dangerous and uncertain times.'

The Conservatives have committed to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, while Labour has said it would make the same commitment when finances allow.

Mr Rutte's appointment was sealed by Nato ambassadors during a meeting at the 32-nation alliance's headquarters in Brussels.