LONDON

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday committed to the largest sustained increase in UK defense spending since the Cold War.

Speaking at the London Defense Conference, Starmer warned of "a new, more dangerous era of history," marked by “global instability… that fuels insecurity for working people here at home.”

He linked international threats to domestic economic challenges, citing the impact of the war in Ukraine, saying: “The British people have already paid a price for Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, with rising bills and prices.”

In a wide-ranging statement, Starmer accused Russia of continuing to menace UK security.

“They’ve launched cyber-attacks on our NHS. Spread disinformation online… And we cannot forget, just a few years ago – a chemical weapons attack on our streets in Salisbury. In broad daylight, in the heart of England,” he said.

The British prime minister positioned the war in Ukraine as emblematic of a broader ideological battle. “No - the battle lines in Ukraine are the front line for Western values. And the argument that defines this age is simple… National security is economic security.”

To that end, Starmer unveiled a sweeping defense spending plan, saying: “We are boosting defense spending, with the largest sustained increase since the Cold War … An increase of £13.4 billion year on year compared with where we are today.”

He said the UK will not only meet but accelerate its commitment to defense expenditure. “Not just meeting our commitment to spend 2.5% of our GDP on defense… But bringing it forward to 2027.”

Starmer also revealed a new long-term ambition. “A new ambition for defense spending to rise to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament,” he said.
He was clear that this investment serves dual purposes.

Looking ahead, Starmer promised a full reassessment of the national defense strategy. “In the coming weeks, we will publish a first-of-its-kind, root and branch strategic defense review … It will scrutinize every aspect of defense - to determine how we can best meet the threats of today.”

"Mark my words – the British defense industry will be the engine of national renewal. Because this isn’t just about increasing our defense spending… It’s also about reform and rebuilding," he said.