British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces growing pressure from MPs to clarify his government’s defence spending plan as the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump looms. Trump, a vocal critic of NATO, has repeatedly urged member nations to boost their defence budgets, accusing them of over-reliance on US military support.
Ahead of Trump’s return to the White House, MPs are pushing Starmer to commit to raising the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. While Starmer has pledged to deliver a plan, delays and the absence of a clear timeline have frustrated lawmakers.
Tan Dhesi, chair of the Defence Select Committee, urged the government to provide a timetable, citing an increasingly volatile global security landscape. “In an increasingly dangerous world, the government should clarify when it will meet its commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence,” Dhesi said, emphasizing the importance of such clarity for NATO allies and the UK’s defence industry.
Former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood echoed the call, stressing that the UK, as NATO’s second-largest military power, must lead by example. “Trump’s first demand of Europe will likely be: ‘Increase your defence budgets or lose US support.’ The UK must set a responsible example and provide a timeline to bolster defence spending,” Ellwood said.
Reports suggest a divide between defence chiefs and the government on when to meet the 2.5% target. The government is reportedly aiming for 2034, while defence leaders push for 2027. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had pledged to meet the target by 2030.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge criticized the delay, warning it undermines the military’s ability to respond to current threats. With mounting tensions in Europe and beyond, MPs demand immediate action to ensure the UK’s defence readiness and its leadership role in NATO.
