Starmer announces hike in UK defense spending, aid budget cuts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will increase its annual defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, underscoring the UK’s commitment to enhancing Europe’s security.

Speaking ahead of his departure to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington, Starmer informed the British parliament that the increase would be expedited to provide additional support to Europe, particularly as the United States leads negotiations with Russia regarding the war in Ukraine.

The proposed increase will result in an additional £13.4 billion ($17 billion) allocated to defense each year starting in 2027. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the country spent £53.9 billion ($68.3 billion) on defense in the 2023-2024 financial year.

Starmer emphasized the need for European allies to contribute more to defense, stating, “We must go further still. I have long argued that all European allies must step up and do more for our defense.”

To fund this increase, the UK will reduce its international aid spending by 40%, cutting the aid budget from 0.5 percent to 0.3 percent of GDP by 2027, Starmer confirmed.

Faith Donatus

Dr. Faith Donatus is a climate change expert, a seasoned researcher with over 15 years of experience and a two-time award winner for contributing to research by the International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. With a PhD in Environmental Pollution and Control, Faith is passionate about transforming Nigeria's food and public health systems through deep research, data-driven analysis, deducing solution-based insights to challenges impacting Nigeria's food and health systems. At Businessday, she is a real sector correspondent, covering health and agricultural beats.