The defence minister insists that increases in spending did not happen because of thinktanks, retired generals ‘or washed-up bureaucrats’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast If there’s anyone who knows just how much pressure Donald Trump is heaping on allies to lift defence spending, it’s Richard Marles. The message was received loud and clear when he met his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, in Singapore nearly a year ago. Continue reading...