Tue Feb 25 14:13:25 UTC 2025: **UK to Boost Defence Spending to 2.5% of GDP, Ahead of Trump Meeting**
LONDON (February 25, 2025) – The United Kingdom will significantly increase its defence spending to 2.5% of its GDP starting in 2027, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday. This represents a substantial rise from the current 2.3% and aims to maintain that level annually. The announcement comes ahead of a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday.
Starmer stated that this marks the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, adding an extra £13.4 billion annually to the budget. The increased spending will be partially offset by cuts to the UK’s international aid budget, reducing it from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP from 2027. Starmer acknowledged this was an unwelcome measure but prioritized national security.
The Prime Minister also revealed a more ambitious target of 3% of GDP for defence spending in the next parliament (2029-2034), contingent upon economic conditions. This announcement appears to be a response to pressure from President Trump, who has urged European allies to increase their defence spending within the NATO alliance, and has suggested a reduction in US support for Ukraine. While NATO members previously committed to spending at least 2% of GDP on defence, Trump has called for a 5% target, while NATO’s Secretary General has suggested a target of over 3%. Starmer’s announcement positions the UK as a leader in fulfilling these heightened expectations.
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