Vladimir Putin is trying to divide Nato, the Defence Secretary has warned.

John Healey made his comments during a visit to Norway, with the trip an attempt to present a united front against Russia, according to the minister.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Healey said: “Putin wants to divide Nato. He wants to divide Europe.”

However, he added that in the three years since Putin invaded Ukraine, Sweden and Finland have joined Nato and that in the last year alone the non-US Nato members increased defence spending by 20 per cent.

Mr Healey continued: “Nato also needs nations like Norway, like the UK, ready to set new standards of how we work together, we plan together, we deter together.

“And if necessary, we will fight together.”