UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces increase in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine; facing criticism for cutting overseas development aid to fund the increase.
Key Points
UK increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP to counter Russian aggression
Plan to reach 3% of GDP on defense by 2029
Criticism for cutting overseas development aid to fund defense increase
Pros
Increase in defense spending to strengthen UK's security
Efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. for defense
Commitment to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression
Cons
Cutting overseas development aid could impact vulnerable populations
Criticism from lawmakers for funding defense increase through aid cuts