Starmer says heightened military expenditure will boost British wealth
The UK plans to allocate 2.5% of its gross national income to defense beginning in 2027. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The UK plans to allocate 2.5% of its gross national income to defense starting in 2027.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has argued that increasing military spending will not only enhance the economy but also improve the financial well-being of British citizens. The UK government has announced its intention to elevate defense expenditures within the next few years, emphasizing both security and economic advantages.
According to the new strategy, the British defense budget will gradually rise from its current level of 2.3% to 2.5% of the country's gross national income by April 2027.
“Increasing defense spending will bolster our national security and help to put more money in people’s pockets,” Starmer stated on Monday via a post on X.
In addition, the Prime Minister pointed out that this policy would create “more opportunities for good, skilled jobs” by allowing smaller businesses to benefit from the increase in defense investment.
Last month, Starmer indicated that London intended to reduce its foreign development assistance funding from 0.5% of GNI to 0.3%, reallocating those funds to bolster defense spending. This increase is now planned for April 2027, three years sooner than initially scheduled. Starmer also committed to raising the defense budget to 3% in the next parliament, citing concerns about “global instability.”
The decision to boost military spending arises amid increasing tensions between the US and Western Europe regarding the future of the Ukraine conflict.
Starmer expressed his “unwavering support” for Kiev after discussions with both US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, following a contentious meeting between the two leaders at the White House last week. The discord stems from differing views on negotiations with Russia and the conditions for a potential ceasefire.
At the same time, the British PM acknowledged that London “will never choose between either side of the Atlantic,” reaffirming that the UK’s relationship with the US “will always be indispensable.”
The confrontation between Trump and Zelensky escalated on Friday, when Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance critiqued Zelensky publicly in the Oval Office. Tensions rose after the Ukrainian leader challenged Vance’s assertion that direct negotiations with Russia would be the most effective route to achieve lasting peace.
Earlier this week, media reports surfaced suggesting that Trump had ordered the Defense Department to suspend all military aid to Ukraine. This pause reportedly impacts equipment already designated for delivery, including weapons in transit on aircraft and ships, in addition to shipments awaiting transfer in Poland.
In contrast, Britain, along with several EU nations, has opted to persist in providing military assistance to Kiev. Recently, Starmer confirmed that London is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a previously announced “coalition of the willing,” aimed at securing peace.
According to reports from last month, EU nations are working on a military aid package valued at a minimum of €6 billion. This initiative is seen as part of the bloc’s broader strategy to strengthen Kiev’s position ahead of potential negotiations with Moscow.
Russia has condemned the Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, asserting that such actions merely extend the conflict without altering its outcome.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has argued that increasing military spending will not only enhance the economy but also improve the financial well-being of British citizens. The UK government has announced its intention to elevate defense expenditures within the next few years, emphasizing both security and economic advantages.
According to the new strategy, the British defense budget will gradually rise from its current level of 2.3% to 2.5% of the country's gross national income by April 2027.
“Increasing defense spending will bolster our national security and help to put more money in people’s pockets,” Starmer stated on Monday via a post on X.
In addition, the Prime Minister pointed out that this policy would create “more opportunities for good, skilled jobs” by allowing smaller businesses to benefit from the increase in defense investment.
Last month, Starmer indicated that London intended to reduce its foreign development assistance funding from 0.5% of GNI to 0.3%, reallocating those funds to bolster defense spending. This increase is now planned for April 2027, three years sooner than initially scheduled. Starmer also committed to raising the defense budget to 3% in the next parliament, citing concerns about “global instability.”
The decision to boost military spending arises amid increasing tensions between the US and Western Europe regarding the future of the Ukraine conflict.
Starmer expressed his “unwavering support” for Kiev after discussions with both US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, following a contentious meeting between the two leaders at the White House last week. The discord stems from differing views on negotiations with Russia and the conditions for a potential ceasefire.
At the same time, the British PM acknowledged that London “will never choose between either side of the Atlantic,” reaffirming that the UK’s relationship with the US “will always be indispensable.”
The confrontation between Trump and Zelensky escalated on Friday, when Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance critiqued Zelensky publicly in the Oval Office. Tensions rose after the Ukrainian leader challenged Vance’s assertion that direct negotiations with Russia would be the most effective route to achieve lasting peace.
Earlier this week, media reports surfaced suggesting that Trump had ordered the Defense Department to suspend all military aid to Ukraine. This pause reportedly impacts equipment already designated for delivery, including weapons in transit on aircraft and ships, in addition to shipments awaiting transfer in Poland.
In contrast, Britain, along with several EU nations, has opted to persist in providing military assistance to Kiev. Recently, Starmer confirmed that London is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a previously announced “coalition of the willing,” aimed at securing peace.
According to reports from last month, EU nations are working on a military aid package valued at a minimum of €6 billion. This initiative is seen as part of the bloc’s broader strategy to strengthen Kiev’s position ahead of potential negotiations with Moscow.
Russia has condemned the Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, asserting that such actions merely extend the conflict without altering its outcome.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
