UK
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for a faster pace of defence spending increases, signalling a shift in the UK’s approach to national security amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Starmer’s remarks come as the government re‑evaluates its budget plans and responds to both international pressure and growing concerns about regional threats, particularly from Russia.
Starmer told reporters on Monday that while the UK had already committed to boosting defence spending, more urgent action was needed to meet emerging risks and fulfil strategic defence goals. “We need to step up,” he said, stressing that accelerating defence investment should go beyond headline figures and reflect a broader commitment to the country’s security.
Earlier plans outlined by the government aim to increase defence expenditure to 2.5 % of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, a significant rise from the approximately 2.3 % spent in 2024. That target already places the United Kingdom above the guideline set by NATO, which calls for members to spend at least 2 % of GDP on defence.
However, reports and government discussions now suggest that Starmer’s team is exploring whether the timetable to achieve 3 % of GDP on defence can be brought forward, potentially before the next general election scheduled by 2029. While no formal decision has yet been taken, the government is actively considering options to pursue that more ambitious target.
The push for faster increases comes amid sustained pressure from the United States and NATO allies for Europe to contribute more to collective defence. During a recent foreign policy speech at the Munich Security Conference, Starmer urged both the UK and European partners to strengthen their commitments, arguing that reliance on the United States alone could undermine regional security.
Achieving higher defence spending presents challenges on the domestic front as well. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that reaching a 3 % defence spending level could add more than £17 billion ($24 billion) annually by the end of the decade, placing strain on public finances already stretched by other commitments. This has contributed to cautious discussions within the Treasury about how to balance defence priorities with wider economic goals.
Last year, the government’s strategy included cutting the overseas aid budget as part of funding increases for defence, a move that drew criticism from humanitarian groups and public spending advocates. That decision was positioned as a necessary trade‑off to deliver the largest sustained lift in defence spending since the Cold War.
Industry leaders and military officials have broadly welcomed the commitment to higher defence expenditure but continue to call for clearer investment plans and delivery timelines. Delays in finalising a comprehensive strategic defence investment plan have been a source of frustration, with critics warning that plans must translate into concrete capability upgrades rather than numbers on paper.
Downing Street has stressed that the UK is delivering “the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War,” even as details on potential accelerated targets remain under review. Starmer’s comments reflect the government’s attempt to balance national security imperatives with economic realities amid a shifting international landscape.
As discussions continue in Whitehall, all eyes will remain on how swiftly the UK can bolster its defence budget, and whether revised plans will be formalised in upcoming fiscal announcements or strategic defence reviews.
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