U.K. to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP during 2027
The Hindu
U.K. government to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in 2027, with a target of 3% in the future.
The U.K. government will increase its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP during 2027 and maintain that level annually, up from the current level of 2.3%, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the House of Commons on Tuesday (February 25, 2025).
The defence spending target will increase to 3% in the next parliament. Previously Mr Starmer’s Labour government, had a target of 2.5% without a set timeline.
The timing of Mr Starmer’s announcement is significant as it comes just before his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (February 27, 2025) in Washington. Mr Trump has pressured Europeans to spend more on defence in the context of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance. Mr Trump has also repeatedly indicated that the U.S. will not be supporting Ukraine financially and militarily as it has in the past, as his administration directly negotiates with Moscow to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I can announce that this government will begin the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War,” Mr Starmer said, emphasizing that the new commitments meant an extra GBP 13.4 billion on defence each year. The increases would be financed in the short term by cuts to the U.K.’s international aid budget, from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP from 2027, Mr Starmer said, adding that he was not happy to make that choice.
“But at times like this, the defence and security of the British people must always come first,” he said.
“All European allies must step up and do more for our defence,” he said, announcing that the UK will set a defence spending ambition of 3% of GDP in the next parliament (i.e., 2029-2034), “subject to economic and fiscal conditions”.
NATO countries had previously agreed to spend at least 2% of GDP on defence but Mr Trump has pushed them to raise that level to 5% of GDP while NATO’s Secretary General has called for a target of more than 3%.
Report reveals North Koreans forced to work on Chinese fishing vessels at sea for up to a decade, facing abuse.
India abstained on a U.N. General Assembly draft resolution that called for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine.
Elevated parts of a highway under construction collapsed in South Korea on February 25, 2025, killing two workers and injuring seven others, officials said.
Israel denies entry to EU lawmakers for promoting boycotts, sparking controversy over BDS movement and international relations.
The United Nations Security Council on February 24, 2025, adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that takes a neutral position on the conflict as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to broker peace.
Transatlantic divide deepens as U.S. refuses to blame Russia for Ukraine invasion, sparking tensions with European allies.
President Trump suggests Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine to avoid World War, discusses rare earth minerals deal.
Pope Francis shows slight improvement in health, resumes work activities, and maintains contact with parish in Gaza.
Friedrich Merz, Germany's potential next chancellor, prioritizes European unity and security amid global challenges.
U.N. General Assembly approves Ukrainian resolution demanding Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine, amid dueling U.S. proposal.
Russia seeks peace talks for Ukraine conflict, accusing Europe of prolonging war, ready to negotiate for sustainable results.
Ukraine and US negotiate access to resources in exchange for security guarantees, tensions rise, deal nears completion.
Vatican announces night prayers for Pope Francis' health as he battles lung infection, complications; Cardinal Parolin to lead.