UK Unveils £15 Billion Defence Budget Increase Amid Coalition Turmoil
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a £15 billion ($20bn) increase to the UK defence budget over four years, bringing total projected spending to nearly £300 billion ($397bn). The plan, described by Starmer as the biggest uplift since the Cold War, includes over £5 billion ($6.6bn) specifically allocated for drones and autonomous systems, according to the Ministry of Defence.
"The plan includes over £5 billion for drones and autonomous systems."
The announcement comes after months of internal government disagreement over resource allocation for modernising the armed forces, amid ongoing threats from Russia. However, the political landscape is fractured: two defence ministers resigned this month, including former Defence Secretary John Healey, who stated the plans risked making Britain "less safe."
Starmer has set a long-term goal of reaching defence spending of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
Funding and Context
The spending increase was achieved by reprioritising aid spending towards defence. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged NATO allies to increase defence spending and reduce reliance on Washington for security. Starmer intends to formally present the plan at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8.
“It is the biggest uplift since the Cold War,” Starmer said, framing the move as a necessary response to global instability.
Transition and Criticism
Likely successor Andy Burnham is expected to take office as early as July 20. Starmer acknowledged that new governments could build on his blueprint. However, critics, including Healey, described the delayed plan as insufficient and poorly timed.