Ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s upcoming meeting in the U.S. this week, the United Kingdom has announced plans to increase its defense budget.

Starmer stated that in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and Europe, the UK will raise its defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of its gross domestic product. This increase represents an additional £13.4 billion, or nearly $17 billion, allocated to defense annually.

Furthermore, the UK aims to further increase its defense spending to 3% of GDP during the next Parliament, which will commence after 2029, unless a snap election is called.

Starmer’s announcement coincides with growing calls from European leaders for increased defense spending to reduce dependence on the U.S. and to counter Russia, and comes just before his meeting in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

“Britain has historically risen to the occasion in moments of crisis, uniting and demonstrating strength,” Starmer told Parliament. “Our country’s security demands this now, and this government will deliver it.”

However, Starmer’s push for increased defense spending faced opposition from some UK lawmakers.

Concerns were raised about the funding source for these increases, as it will involve reducing overseas development aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of the UK’s gross domestic product over the next two years.

MP Charolette Cane expressed support for the UK’s continued support of Ukraine, but argued in the House of Commons that cutting international aid, which promotes stability in vulnerable populations, was “hugely short-sided,” stating that “Helping communities be stable and secure reduces the risk of war and unrest”. Starmer defended the decision as necessary to avoid a dispute over funding the spending increase.

“I’m certainly not pretending it’s a decision I wanted to make as prime minister,” Starmer said in response. “It’s a decision that I’m driven to make because of the security and safety of our country and our continent.”

MP Jim Shannon reminded parliamentary members that the UK spent 7% of its GDP on defense during the Cold War and pressed Starmer for details on his discussions with the U.S.

Starmer stated that he has had “a number of conversations” with Trump and that discussions between U.S. and UK teams are ongoing.

“We must reject any false choice between our allies, between one side of the Atlantic or the other. That is against our history – country and party – because it is against our fundamental national interest,” he said, addressing concerns about potential divisions between the U.S. and European allies.

“It has survived countless external challenges in the past. We’ve fought wars together, we’re the closest partners in trade, growth and security,” he added.

“This week when I meet President Trump I will be clear – I want this relationship to go from strength to strength.”

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