**UK Plans to Increase Defense Spending**
The UK is planning to increase its defense spending. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this in a speech on February 25th.
**Why the Change?**
There’s growing uncertainty about security in Europe. The US has made it clear that they won’t always be able to protect the continent. This means countries will have to take care of their own security needs more often.
**New Spending Plan**
Starting from 2027, the UK plans to spend £13.4 billion (about $17 billion) each year on defense. The government aims to reach 3% of GDP by 2029. This is a significant increase compared to current spending levels.
**Aid Budget Cut**
To fund this new spending plan, the budget for foreign aid will be cut from 0.5% of national income to 0.3%. While not ideal, Starmer said the UK needs to prioritize its defense and security.
**Global Context**
This move is part of a wider effort by NATO countries to take responsibility for their own security. US President Donald Trump had previously urged these countries to increase their defense contributions beyond the current 2% benchmark.