Sir Keir Starmer is off to Washington for a sit-down with Donald Trump, fresh from announcing that Britain will spend 2.5% of national income on defence by 2027. Because nothing says “Special Relationship” quite like turning up to the White House with a suitcase full of cash for tanks.
On Tuesday, Starmer confirmed he’d be cutting the foreign aid budget to fund this military expansion—a move that had Trump grinning like a Cheshire cat but left development charities absolutely seething.
Before heading for his US photo-op, Sir Keir has to endure Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, where MPs will take turns either congratulating him for beefing up the military or demanding to know why he’s turned Labour into a Tory tribute act.
His announcement comes as European leaders are scrambling to figure out how to defend themselves if Trump decides to strike a deal with Putin and leave the continent hanging out to dry.
Trump, of course, has spent years banging on about how Europe doesn’t spend enough on defence, so he’ll likely see this as a small step in the right direction—though nowhere near the 5% of GDP he’s been demanding like a man haggling for a discount at a car boot sale.
Meanwhile, in a fun little twist, Ukrainian officials have confirmed to the BBC that a US deal has been struck to access Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Trump has hinted this could keep US military aid flowing, at least until he can wrap up the war in one of his famous “Art of the Deal” negotiations. No doubt involving some very stern letters and a few Twitter rants.
Starmer’s Defence Spending Plan—Big Numbers, Big Promises
Sir Keir’s grand announcement means the UK’s aid budget will drop from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027, with all those savings going straight into guns, ships, and things that go boom.
When you factor in intelligence services, defence spending will hit 2.6% of GDP, with a further ambition to hit 3% after the next general election. Yes, ambition—a wonderfully vague political word that means “We’ll get there… if we can be bothered.”
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gave his approval, calling it “a strong step from an enduring partner”—which is diplomatic code for “Well, at least you’re trying”.
At his press conference, Starmer solemnly declared:
“In light of the grave threats we face, we are entering a dangerous new era.”
Which is the kind of ominous thing a Bond villain says before revealing a doomsday laser.
Asked if Trump had pressured him into doing this, Sir Keir insisted:
“It was very much my decision, based on the circumstances we face as a country.”
Though he did admit:
“The last few weeks have accelerated my thinking.”
Translation: Yes, but I’d rather not say it out loud.
Charities: “Hang on, What About the Poor?”
Labour had previously promised to restore development spending to 0.7% of national income when the economy allowed. Now, apparently, it’s more of a “We’ll see” kind of deal.
As you’d expect, charities are furious. Save the Children called it “a betrayal of the world’s most vulnerable children and the UK’s national interest”—which is a rather polite way of saying “What the hell are you thinking?”
Chief Executive Moazzam Malik summed it up:
“There is nothing respectful about slashing lifelines for families in the most dangerous places.”
Labour MP Sarah Champion, chair of the Commons International Development Committee, also laid into the plan, calling it:
“A false economy that will only make the world less safe.”
Sir Keir, however, stuck to his guns (quite literally), saying:
“No driver of migration and poverty like conflict.”
Or, in other words: If we spend money on defence, we might not have to spend money on foreign aid later. Maybe. Possibly. Who knows?
Will This Actually Fix the British Military?
Short answer: It’ll help, but don’t expect a return to the glory days of the Royal Navy ruling the waves.
The Ministry of Defence already has a £17 billion black hole in its equipment budget, so a lot of this new money will just be plugging leaks.
Malcolm Chalmers from the Royal United Services Institute pointed out that while this will fix shortages in ammunition and equipment, the real game-changer would be a solid commitment to 3% of GDP by the mid-2030s—which would allow the military to actually plan ahead, rather than just panic-buying whenever a crisis kicks off.
Dr Simon Anglim of King’s College London had a slightly less optimistic take, warning:
“Spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030 is the barest minimum to build a military strong enough to deter Russia.”
And if Trump pulls the plug on US support?
“We may have to start talking about more than that.”
Which is academic-speak for “We’re screwed.”
Will This Impress Trump?
Probably not.
Trump has spent years moaning that European NATO members don’t pay their fair share, insisting they should be spending at least 5% of GDP.
Even NATO’s incoming boss, Mark Rutte, has suggested allies should be aiming for “north of 3%”, so Sir Keir’s pledge still falls a bit short of the big leagues.
But hey, at least he can show up to his White House meeting with a PowerPoint presentation proving he’s trying. Maybe that’ll be enough to stop Trump from scowling through the entire handshake photo.
Political Fallout – Who’s Angry Now?
At home, reactions were predictable:
• The Tories are thrilled that Starmer has suddenly discovered the joys of spending on defence, though Kemi Badenoch wonders if Labour actually has a plan to fund it long-term.
• The Liberal Democrats also like the defence boost but think the money should come from taxing tech giants and seizing frozen Russian assets instead.
• The SNP support the military increase but aren’t happy about the aid cuts, because of course they aren’t.
With Trump still looming over the Western world like an unpredictable weather system, Starmer’s shift in defence policy could reshape Britain’s military for years to come.
Or, of course, he could turn up to Washington, get completely ignored by Trump, and realise he’s just spent £13 billion a year to impress a man who only respects people who build golf courses.
Either way—should be a fun meeting.
