Starmer commits to 2.5% GDP defense spending by 2027

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, deeming it the largest increase since the Cold War, while simultaneously proposing cuts to foreign aid from 0.5% to 0.3% to fund this initiative. Amid rising tensions with Russia and a strained transatlantic relationship under Donald Trump, Starmer emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the US during his upcoming visit. Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch argued that the UK must exceed the 2.5% target by 2030, suggesting that some foreign aid could be repurposed for defence. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson remarked on the ambitious nature of the 2.5% goal, highlighting the need for European allies to increase their contributions to security. The backdrop of these discussions is the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has intensified calls for a reassessment of defence capabilities in Europe. The situation is further complicated by concerns about the US's reliability as an ally under President Trump, raising questions about future European security.