UK's Starmer Urged to Raise Defense Spending to 3% of GDP, Plans 2.5% by Spring 2025

Nov 11, 2024, 07:59 AM

Following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election, former Navy Chief Lord West has urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP. Starmer plans to announce an increase in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by spring 2025, which is seen as a gesture to establish good relations with Trump. Additionally, Trump has expressed his support for Starmer, stating, 'you have a friend in me.' Starmer's pragmatic approach aims to balance his party's distaste for Trump with the UK's strategic reliance on the U.S. Starmer is also set to discuss Ukraine and defense with French President Emmanuel Macron during Armistice Day events in Paris. There is also a call for an emergency cash injection into defense and to accelerate Britain's planned review, as Trump's arrival has already changed the debate in European capitals.