UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, just before heading to Washington for crucial talks with US President Donald Trump.
The move aligns with Trump’s repeated calls for NATO countries, including the UK, to take on more responsibility for their own defence, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
By reallocating funds from foreign aid, Starmer aims to address growing pressure from military leaders and NATO allies who have been urging a clear strategy on defence investment. His decision is expected to signal to Trump that Britain is committed to strengthening its armed forces and reducing reliance on US military support.
However, opposition voices have already criticized the plan. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has argued that 2.5% is no longer enough to tackle the security threats the UK faces. In a speech on foreign affairs, she emphasized the need for an efficient, well-equipped military and a complete overhaul of the country’s defence procurement system. She had also suggested that foreign aid funds should be redirected toward military spending—an approach now adopted by Starmer.
The timing of the announcement has sparked speculation that it is directly linked to Starmer’s upcoming meeting with Trump. His spokesperson, however, pointed to ongoing discussions with NATO allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as key factors influencing the decision.
With global security concerns rising, the UK’s increased defence budget is set to play a major role in upcoming NATO discussions and its relationship with the US under Trump’s leadership.