The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced on Tuesday plans to increase the defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, an increase from the existing 2.3% aimed at strengthening national security amid global tensions, will be partially funded by reducing the U.K.’s foreign aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of the GDP.
The announcement by Stamer comes ahead of his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, the discussions are anticipated to focus on strengthening European security and ensuring sustained support for Ukraine.
Framing the decision as necessary, Starmer stated:
It is my first duty as Prime Minister to keep our country safe. In an ever more dangerous world, increasing the resilience of our country so we can protect the British people, resist future shocks and bolster British interests, is vital.
His argument suggests that national security and economic growth go hand in hand. He continued:
By spending more on defence, we will deliver the stability that underpins economic growth, and will unlock prosperity through new jobs, skills and opportunity across the country.
The decision reflects strong support for U.S. President Trump’s call for allies to take on a greater share of the defence burden.
Now that the U.K. government is putting security ahead of foreign aid, the question is whether this approach will result in the economic and geopolitical stability that has been promised or if it represents a shift away from Britain’s long-standing role as a leader in international development.
