Keir Starmer bows to Trump pressure and increases UK defence spending by slashing foreign aid
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Anger as Keir Starmer increases defence spending ahead of Trump visit
- Keir Starmer increased UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by cutting foreign aid, ahead of meeting with Donald Trump, sparking criticism from Labour figures and aid charities.
- The decision, prompted by the Ukraine war and pressure from Trump, aims to counter "tyrants" like Vladimir Putin and align with NATO's defence spending targets.
- Former Labour figures and aid charities have criticised the move, calling it a betrayal of the world's most vulnerable people.
- The increase in defence spending, praised by Trump's defence secretary, will be funded by reducing overseas aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income by 2027.
- Economists warn that meeting the 3% GDP defence spending target by 2034 may require tax increases or cuts to other government programs.