Janice R. Andrews
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, representing the most substantial military investment since the Cold War era. The announcement comes just before Starmer’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Speaking to Parliament on Tuesday, Starmer highlighted the necessity of supporting Ukraine against Russian forces, warning that failure to establish peace would escalate economic instability and security risks globally. The UK currently allocates 2.3% of GDP to defense, with the proposed increase requiring an additional £13.4 billion ($17 billion) per year. Starmer also outlined a longer-term objective to reach 3% of GDP for defense by 2035.
To finance this military expansion, the government plans to reduce overseas aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income—a controversial decision facing opposition from humanitarian organizations and rival politicians. While military leadership has endorsed the spending increase as essential for countering authoritarian threats, critics like Liberal Democrat MP Monica Harding argue that cutting aid is “short-sighted” and could enhance Russian and Chinese influence in developing regions.
The timing coincides with broader European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities amid changing US foreign policy under Trump, who has repeatedly questioned NATO’s relevance and shown hesitation toward continued Ukraine support. During his Washington visit, Starmer will seek American backing for European security initiatives, including a British proposal to deploy troops to Ukraine for ceasefire enforcement, though he maintains that US participation remains essential.
As the UK works to rebuild EU relations following Brexit, Starmer aims to establish Britain as a pivotal security partner across the Atlantic. “We must reject any false choice between our allies,” he stated, adding that his message to Trump will emphasize his desire for a strengthened bilateral relationship.
