UK Plans Defence Spending Increase to 3% GDP by 2029

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to increase the UK's defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, emphasizing the need for enhanced military preparedness in response to evolving global threats. This decision comes alongside a reduction in the aid budget, which will drop from 0.5% to 0.3%, allowing for a reallocation of funds towards defense. Starmer's strategy reflects pressures from NATO and the geopolitical landscape, aiming to solidify the UK's military presence. The Liberal Democrats have called for even greater defense spending, urging the government to consider increasing it to 3% of GDP to adequately respond to security challenges. They propose utilizing frozen Russian assets and other revenue sources to support Ukraine's defense and bolster the UK's military capabilities. The shifting focus on defense underscores a broader trend among European nations to reassess their military budgets in light of recent conflicts.