Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the U.K. plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027, citing a new era of insecurity in Europe that necessitates a long-term response. This pledge comes ahead of Starmer's upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to advocate for continued American support for Ukraine and the NATO alliance.
Starmer emphasized the importance of standing by Ukraine to achieve lasting peace and prevent economic instability and security threats from escalating. The U.K. currently allocates 2.3% of GDP to defense, with the new target requiring an additional 13.4 billion pounds ($17 billion) annually. The prime minister aims for defense spending to reach 3% of GDP by 2035, with a reduction in overseas development aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income to fund the increase.
Starmer described the move as the largest sustained rise in defense spending since the Cold War, asserting that strength is crucial in dealing with leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement coincides with efforts by European nations to enhance collective defense amid shifts in American foreign policy under Trump, who has questioned NATO's value and criticized European countries for not contributing enough to security.
Starmer has proposed sending British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, contingent on American support to ensure a lasting ceasefire. While Trump has not committed to providing security guarantees for Ukraine, he has expressed confidence in Europe's ability to prevent further conflict. Starmer's government seeks closer defense cooperation with the EU post-Brexit and aims to maintain strong ties with the U.S., despite policy differences and Trump's prioritization of American interests.
Starmer emphasized the importance of rejecting false dichotomies between allies and fostering robust relationships on both sides of the Atlantic. He intends to convey to Trump his desire for a mutually beneficial partnership that continues to strengthen over time.
