Keir Starmer on Military Spending
Sir Keir Starmer, as Prime Minister, has made a substantial commitment to increasing military spending, calling it the "biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War." This pledge is directly linked to perceived threats from countries like Russia, necessitating a more advanced and ready military posture.
Starmer’s government accelerated the commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, aiming to meet this NATO target by 2027. Furthermore, he has established a clear ambition for defence spending to rise to 3% of GDP during the next parliamentary term, though without committing to a precise date.
This policy is also tied to domestic economic goals, with Starmer promising that the increased defence investment will maximize British jobs, growth, skills, and innovation, specifically through investment in manufacturing and capabilities like nuclear submarines and missile defence. The increased spending forms the core of the government's Strategic Defence Review.
Context
Keir Starmer's position on Military Spending is central to his government's foreign policy and national security strategy, particularly given the heightened geopolitical tensions cited, such as those involving Russia and the US election outcome. His commitment to increasing defence spending is presented as a necessary step to ensure Britain is prepared for modern warfare and to bolster its role within NATO.
This focus contrasts with the historical context of Labour under previous leadership, though Starmer has drawn comparisons to the post-war Labour of Clement Attlee regarding the necessity of strong public service and national defence.
Timeline
- As Prime Minister, Starmer signalled a commitment to increase defence spending to the NATO target of 2.5% of GDP following a "root and branch" review of the armed forces.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, confirming the 2.5% of GDP target would be met in 2027.
- Starmer unveiled the Strategic Defence Review, reiterating the goal to be "battle-ready" and accelerating the 2.5% commitment to 2027-28, while being cautious about setting a firm date for the 3% ambition.
Actions Taken
- Policy Announcement/Spending CommitmentAnnounced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, moving towards 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
- Policy Document LaunchUnveiled the Strategic Defence Review, with a central purpose of being "warfighting ready" and explicitly strengthening NATO.
- Investment CommitmentPledged significant investment, including £15bn for new nuclear-powered Aukus attack submarines and £6bn on munitions during this Parliament.
Criticism
The union expressed concern over the delay in publishing the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), warning that dithering risked jobs and specialist skills in British defence manufacturing, despite higher spending announcements.
Questioned Starmer's commitment by asking whether he prioritized funding defence over reversing the cuts to winter fuel payments or lifting the two-child benefit cap, suggesting a trade-off was being made.
Warned that little new money had reportedly gone towards contracts for conventional forces, despite the rhetoric surrounding the increased budget.
Comparison
The Starmer government's commitment marks a significant policy shift compared to the Labour leadership under Jeremy Corbyn, as Starmer moves to a centrist, more hawkish security stance.
- NATO Target: Starmer accelerated the timeline to meet the 2.5% GDP target, fulfilling a commitment often criticized as being too slow or absent under previous Labour leadership.
- Industrial Base: Starmer explicitly linked increased defence spending to British industrial strategy, promising investment in UK manufacturing, which aligns with a more traditional view of national security investment.
Sources5
PM statement on defence spending: 25 February 2025
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.