The UK is planning to allocate 2.5% of its GNI to defense by 2027.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer argues that increasing military spending will boost the economy and improve the financial well-being of British citizens. The UK government has pledged to increase defense spending in the coming years, citing both security and economic advantages.
The new strategy involves a phased increase in the UK’s defense budget, rising from the current 2.3% to 2.5% of the nation’s Gross National Income (GNI) by April 2027.
“Increased defense spending will strengthen our national security and help put more money in the pockets of the people,” Starmer stated on Monday in a post on X.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that the policy would generate “more opportunities for good, skilled jobs” by allowing smaller businesses to benefit from increased defense investment.
Last month, Starmer indicated that London intended to reduce its foreign development assistance funding from 0.5% of GNI to 0.3% to free up funds for defense spending. The increase is scheduled for April 2027, three years sooner than initially anticipated. Citing “global instability,” the Prime Minister also committed to raising spending to 3% in the next parliamentary term.
The commitment to increased military spending comes amid growing tensions between the US and Western Europe regarding the future of the Ukraine conflict.
Following a tense exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky at the White House last week, Starmer conveyed his “unwavering support” for Kiev after speaking with both leaders. The American and Ukrainian leaders hold differing views on negotiations with Russia and potential ceasefire terms.
Concurrently, the British PM acknowledged that London “will never choose between either side of the Atlantic,” emphasizing that the UK’s relationship with the US “will always be indispensable.”
The disagreement between the US and Ukrainian leaders occurred on Friday when Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly criticized Zelensky in front of reporters in the Oval Office. Tensions arose after the Ukrainian leader challenged Vance’s suggestion that direct negotiations with Russia offered the best path to achieving lasting peace.
Earlier this week, media reports surfaced claiming that Trump had directed the Defense Department to halt all military aid to Ukraine. The reported freeze affects equipment already slated for delivery, including weapons in transit on aircraft and ships, as well as shipments awaiting transit in Poland.
Britain, along with several EU members, has chosen to continue providing military assistance to Kiev. Earlier this week, Starmer confirmed London’s readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a previously announced “coalition of the willing,” with the goal of securing peace.
Last month, Politico reported, citing diplomats, that EU nations were preparing a military aid package worth at least €6 billion ($6.3 billion). The move is seen as part of the bloc’s broader effort to strengthen Kiev’s strategic position ahead of potential negotiations with Moscow.
Russia has condemned Western arms shipments to Ukraine, warning that they only prolong the conflict without altering its outcome.
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