Watch as Sir Keir Starmer announced a fast track on the government’s defence spending boost by cutting foreign aid.
In his address to MPs on Tuesday (25 February), the prime minister revealed UK defence spending will rise to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027.
He told the Commons: “We will deliver our commitment to spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence, but we will bring that forward so we reach that level in 2027. And we will maintain that for the rest of this parliament.”
The prime minister also revealed the foreign aid budget will be cut the increase in defence spending.
He confirmed that it will fall from 0.5 percent of gross national income this year to 0.3 percent in 2027.
The prime minister’s speech comes just days before he heads to the White House for talks with Donald Trump about the Ukraine war.
His address also followed a foreign policy speech by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who said it is “critical” his trip to the US is a success.
Ms Badenoch also urged Sir Keir to consider redirecting development aid and welfare funding towards defence spending.
“I will back the prime minister in taking those difficult decisions to increase defence spending,” she said.
“For example, he should consider whether some of the 0.5% currently spent on development aid should be repurposed, at least in the short term, towards defence and security.
“And he should also look at making welfare savings to fund increased defence expenditure.”
