UK to Increase Defense Spending to 2.5% of GDP by Spring 2025 as Peace Gesture to Trump

Nov 10, 2024, 09:07 AM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to increase Britain's defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by spring 2025, following Donald Trump's inauguration. This move, reported by The Telegraph, is seen as a peace gesture to improve relations with Trump, who previously threatened to pull the US out of NATO unless Europe increased its defense spending. Currently, the UK's defense spending is about 2.2% of GDP. Former Navy Chief Lord West has urged Starmer to allocate 3% of GDP to defense. Additionally, Peter Mandelson is considered the frontrunner to become the next UK ambassador to Washington, a role seen as crucial in managing the UK's relationship with the Trump administration.