U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer Boosts Defense Spending at Expense of Foreign Aid Amid Diplomatic Challenges
Starmer announced a defense spending increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, cutting foreign aid to 0.3%. This decision precedes his meeting with President Trump.
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Starmer may suggest the UK is showing leadership, pointing the way for other European allies to follow suit.
Will Starmer's defence hike win over Trump on Ukraine?
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The manoeuvre was probably deemed to be the easiest way to promise an immediate cash injection into defence without raising more politically troubling questions over tax and borrowing.
Starmer can only hope slashing aid to boost defence wins Trump’s favour
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I remain convinced he will be told 2.5% is not enough by a phalanx of generals, both armchair and real, as well as by a broad coalition from Boris Johnson to Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.
Allegra Stratton: Keir Starmer Trumpifies the Defense Budget
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The announced increase — valued at just shy of $17 billion per year — is above NATO’s recommendation that its members spend 2% of GDP on defense.
UK to boost defense spending, cut foreign aid ahead of Starmer-Trump meeting
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Starmer’s push to increase defense spending was not met with approval by all UK lawmakers.
'Trump effect' on display as UK's Starmer boosts defense spending on eve of US visit
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Starmer’s decision to hollow out aid to pay for defence is a politically enormous step in the United Kingdom, where it has been the only ringfenced element of the government’s budget after an intervention by former leader David Cameron to really lean into ‘soft power’.
Britain Raids Foreign Aid Budget to Boost Defence... Very Slightly
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To pay for the military spending increase, he announced his intent to cut the country’s spending on international development programs.
Starmer Plans to Raise UK’s Military Spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027
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Britain will accelerate an increase to its defense spending, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday, on the eve of a crucial visit to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington.
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The U.K. currently spends 2.3% of gross domestic product on defense, and the government had previously set a 2.5% target, without setting a date.
Starmer commits to raise UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027
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The increase in defense spending represents the largest sustained rise in military investment since the end of the Cold War.
UK PM commits to increase in defense spending ahead of Trump meeting
Newsweek·2M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The announcement came as European countries scramble to bolster their collective defense as Trump transforms American foreign policy, seemingly sidelining Europe as he looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine.
UK to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, Starmer says 2 days before Trump meeting
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The announcement comes as European countries scramble to bolster their collective defense as U.S. President Donald Trump transforms American foreign policy, seemingly sidelining Europe as he looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine.
Starmer Commits to Raise UK Defense Spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027
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Summary
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a rise in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, planning to reach 2.6% in 2028, but this comes with a major reduction in foreign aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income, triggering backlash from charities. Although Starmer regards this increase as critical for national security amid rising threats, particularly from Russia, his decision to cut aid may have severe humanitarian implications. Ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Trump, who has long urged Europe to increase defense budgets, Starmer hopes this move aligns the U.K. with U.S. interests in Europe, as he navigates complex transatlantic relations.
Perspectives
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, highlighting the need for enhanced military capabilities amidst evolving European security threats and pressures from the US for increased defense contributions from allies.
In light of funding constraints, the UK government will cut its international aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP, a decision Starmer acknowledges is painful but deemed necessary for national security, as it directly addresses the pressing military challenges posed by Russia.
Starmer's government faces scrutiny regarding the significant reduction in the aid budget, with concerns raised about the potential negative implications for global humanitarian efforts, international reputation, and the relationship between foreign aid and national security.
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