London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his commitment on Tuesday to raise UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, a pledge made during his recent electoral triumph. However, he emphasized that this increase would be contingent upon fiscal feasibility and a comprehensive review of the country’s defence strategy.
“I am committed to that 2.5% within our fiscal rules, but that strategic review needs to come first,” Starmer stated before departing for a NATO summit in Washington.
Starmer’s Labour Party victory underscored fiscal responsibility as a cornerstone of his electoral platform. The commitment aligns with NATO’s 2014 agreement, wherein member states pledged to allocate 2% of GDP to defence spending to bolster the alliance’s military readiness. Amid escalating tensions with Russia, several nations have advocated for raising this threshold to 2.5% or higher.
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According to an April report from the previous Conservative government, UK defence spending qualifying under NATO standards is projected to reach 2.32% of GDP by the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Labour intends to conduct a thorough review of Britain’s defence challenges and capabilities under Starmer’s leadership. The prime minister, on his inaugural international trip, aims to elevate Britain’s global standing, leveraging his parliamentary majority as evidence of his government’s stability.
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Starmer emphasized the significance of unity at the NATO summit, particularly in response to recent events such as the missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
“My message is very, very clear: That this NATO summit is an opportunity for allies to stand together to strengthen their resolve, particularly in light of that appalling attack, against Russian aggression,” Starmer affirmed.
