**UK Defence Spending Hiked Amid Ukraine Crisis**
The UK has decided to increase its defence spending by 2027. The decision was made after US President Donald Trump asked European allies, including the UK, to boost their military contributions.
**Aid Funds Reallocated**
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that aid funds would be reallocated to boost military spending. This move has been criticized by charities and aid groups who were expecting an increase in international development funding.
**Former Defence Chief Praises Decision**
General Sir David Richards, a former chief of defence staff, said the decision was a “sound strategic move” but added that it was likely only accelerated by Trump’s actions on Ukraine. He praised Defence Secretary John Healey as a “forward-thinking, strategically-minded person”.
**Army Not Big Enough**
Lord Richards stressed that the British Army is currently “very hollowed out indeed”. He suggested that the army is not big enough for British troops to be part of a rotation of European peacekeeping forces.
**Labour MPs Unhappy with U-Turn**
The decision to hike defence spending has caused unease among some Labour MPs. They had expected an increase in international development funding, which was promised in the party’s manifesto.
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