U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to increase defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, citing the growing insecurity in Europe and the need for a strong response.
The plan, which involves an additional £13.4 billion ($17 billion) annually, will be funded by cutting overseas development aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income. Starmer also set a goal of raising defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2035. The decision to reduce aid sparked criticism from aid groups and some lawmakers, who warned it could have devastating global consequences.
The announcement comes ahead of Starmer’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where he aims to secure continued American support for Ukraine and NATO. He has offered to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force if a peace deal is reached but insists American involvement will be crucial for lasting peace.
