Starmer Declines to Set Date for 2.5% Defence Spending Amid Fiscal Caution and Strategic Review

Sir Keir Starmer declines to set a specific deadline for the 2.5% defense spending goal

The Prime Minister describes the target as a "firm promise," yet insists that the plan to achieve it must align with the government's budgetary regulations.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Thursday, July 11, 2024, 5:

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Sir Keir Starmer has declined to specify when he plans to raise defense expenditure to 2.5% of the country's GDP.

The prime minister faces mounting pressure to adhere to the schedule established by the previous Conservative administration, which promised to boost spending by 2030 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions with China and Iran.

In a conversation with Beth Rigby, the political editor for Sky News, Sir Keir mentioned that it was accurate to state that European countries need to increase their defense spending. He highlighted that this topic was a major focus at the NATO summit in Washington DC, which he attended alongside US President Joe Biden.

When pressed multiple times on whether he would pledge to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP "by the end of the parliament," the prime minister stated that it would be "unserious… to just choose a random date."

He described the number as a "significant promise" and expressed his intention to "outline a plan for achieving it within our budgetary guidelines".

"He continued, saying, 'I won't set a specific date, since it will align with our financial regulations.'"

Latest in politics: Starmer questioned about additional public holiday for England's Euro victory

Further Updates on National Security

Defense Secretary Announces Completion of Upcoming Defense Review Within the Year

Authorities seek a definite schedule for Keir Starmer’s commitment to boost military expenditure.

Former military leader sounds alarm on WW3, labels emerging alliance as more threatening than historical Nazi regime

When confronted with criticism for not setting a specific deadline upon making a pledge, which some argued rendered the promise ineffective, the prime minister responded: "In the 14 years prior to this administration, there was a pattern of setting random deadlines and not allocating sufficient funds to achieve those goals, resulting in consistent failures to meet the targets."

"We've transformed, moving away from that style of political engagement."

Ex-prime minister Rishi Sunak announced in April that his administration planned to boost the UK's defense budget to 2.5% of its GDP by 2030, positioning its arms sector on a "war footing."

Stay informed on the most recent developments in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Throughout the general election campaign, the Conservative Party consistently highlighted Sir Keir's reluctance to echo their pledge, using it to establish a clear distinction between the two parties and to argue that a Labour government would jeopardize national security.

Sir Keir has stated that he will initiate a comprehensive review of defense strategies, a process that might take as long as a year to complete, prior to establishing a timeline for achieving the 2.5% commitment.

For an optimal viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

However, several military leaders have also pressed the new prime minister to take more extensive actions.

Ex-British military intelligence colonel Philip Ingram has criticized Sir Keir for postponing the decision on defense spending until after the review. He claims this delay could result in a lengthy process, potentially taking "years to repair the army, replenish ammunition supplies, and prepare the RAF and navy."

👉 Click here to subscribe to the Politics at Jack and Sam's podcast on your preferred platform 👈

Lord West of Spithead, who previously led the navy and served as a security minister in an earlier Labour administration, emphasized that the new ruling party should establish a timeline at the summit to serve as a model for all European nations.

Mr. Sunak contended that global security is at its lowest point in many years, while also announcing a new allocation of arms, ammunition, and £500 million in financial support for the Ukrainian military.

Sir Keir has committed to maintaining the previous Conservative government's promise to allocate £3 billion annually in military aid to Ukraine until the years 2030 to 2031, and to extend this support further if required.

He emphasized that the NATO benchmark of allocating 2% of GDP to defense had already been achieved.

Click to learn more: Biden happy to greet Europe-friendly Starmer; Two-child benefit limit impacts 1.6 million kids

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

At the Washington summit commemorating NATO's 75th anniversary this week, President Biden, along with the leaders from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Romania, committed to providing Ukraine with five more Patriot and various other key air defense systems. This move aims to safeguard Ukrainian urban areas, civilians, and military personnel.

Additional allies such as Canada, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom are set to supply various systems to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.

For an enhanced viewing experience, it's recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Amid concerns about his physical condition, Mr. Biden gave a vigorous and resolute address, asserting that the coalition was "stronger than ever" and committed to supporting Ukraine.

"Putin's aim is the complete subjugation of Ukraine; he seeks to erase it from existence," he stated.

"Ukraine has the capability and determination to halt Putin's

Associated Subjects:

Footer for Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites