Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to increase the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, coinciding with ongoing peace talks to resolve the war in Ukraine.
To finance this rise in military spending, Starmer stated that the UK’s international aid budget would be reduced, from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP by 2027.
This change would result in an additional £13.4 billion annually for defence starting in 2027, though the cut to aid has sparked backlash from charities.
The decision comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between Starmer and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
President Trump has been urging European nations to boost their defence spending, particularly as global efforts intensify to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Starmer’s move, calling it a “strong step from an enduring partner.”
In his announcement, Starmer highlighted that the cut in aid would fully fund the increase in defence spending.
He noted that the additional investment would help bolster the UK’s armed forces, which have suffered significant cuts since the end of the Cold War.
However, critics argue that it will not be enough to fully reverse the decline in the country’s military capabilities.
Even with the increased funding, the Ministry of Defence still faces a £17 billion shortfall in its equipment budget over the next decade.
The planned rise in defence spending aims to address urgent shortages in munitions and underfunded programs. Malcolm Chalmers, deputy director of the Royal United Services Institute, suggested that the commitment to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by the mid-2030s could lead to significant improvements in how the military operates, enabling better long-term planning and innovation.
However, the move has sparked strong reactions.
Charities, including Save the Children, have denounced the aid cuts as a “betrayal,” arguing that the reduction in international aid would harm the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Labour MP Sarah Champion, who chairs the Commons International Development Committee, called the cuts a “false economy,” warning that they would make the world less secure.
Though the decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, it has also been met with support.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the increase in defence spending but questioned whether the government had a robust enough economic strategy to support it.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressed support for the increase but urged the government to explore alternative funding methods, such as taxing multinational tech companies or seizing frozen Russian assets.
The SNP has also expressed support for higher defence spending but opposed funding it by cutting aid.The party’s Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, emphasized that the government’s approach was misguided.
This announcement comes amid urgent diplomatic discussions surrounding the war in Ukraine and NATO’s defence spending targets. NATO suggests that each member should spend at least 2% of GDP on defence, with some leaders, including NATO’s head Mark Rutte, calling for spending “north of 3%”. Starmer’s plans may face pressure from President Trump, who has urged European NATO members to aim for 5% of GDP on defence.
As European leaders continue to push for solutions to the Ukraine crisis, Starmer’s planned trip to the White House highlights the high-stakes nature of the discussions, where the UK is trying to balance its security priorities with international responsibilities.
Credit: BBC
