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The United Kingdom has announced a significant increase in defense spending after increased criticism from the US over NATO’s reliance on American military support.
Some shit you should know before you read: Since President Trump came back into office, he has intensified criticism of European & NATO members for failing to meet their defense spending obligations. NATO guidelines require member countries to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense, but currently, less than half of the alliance’s 31 members meet this target. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over this disparity, arguing that the burden of European security disproportionately falls on the United States. He has warned that the US may reconsider its commitment to defending NATO countries that do not fulfill their spending commitments.
What’s going on now: In an announcement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed plans to increase the country’s defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an eventual goal of reaching 3% by the end of the next government’s term. This will result in an additional $17 billion annually for defense, marking the most substantial increase since the end of the Cold War. To fund this boost, Starmer said that the government will cut international aid spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP in 2027.
Prime Minister Starmer added that the UK’s relationship with the United States is their “most important bilateral alliance,” adding that “this week when I meet President Trump, I will be clear: I want this relationship to go from strength to strength.” The Prime Minister also said that these financial decisions are necessary to prioritize national security amid growing geopolitical threats.
The decision has drawn significant backlash from charity organizations, which warn of severe consequences for global poverty reduction and humanitarian aid. WaterAid called the aid cuts a “cruel betrayal of people living in poverty globally,” condemning the move as detrimental to vital water and sanitation programs. Save The Children UK echoed this sentiment, with CEO Moazzam Malik stating that the cuts will “make the world a more dangerous place for children now and in the future.”
