Sir Keir Starmer has announced a significant boost to defence spending, raising it to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027.
The funding for this defence increase will come directly from cuts to Britain’s aid budget.
The Prime Minister plans to reduce development assistance from its current level of 0.5 per cent of gross national income to 0.3 per cent by 2027.
The increase in defence spending represents what Starmer described as “the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War”.
This increase will require an additional £13.4 billion annually.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that this substantial rise will necessitate “extremely difficult and painful choices”.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from aid organisations and charities.
Critics have branded the move as “reckless” and a “betrayal of the world’s most vulnerable”.
Starmer defended his decision, stating it was “necessary for the protection of our country”.
The Prime Minister admitted it was “not a decision I wanted to make” during a Downing Street press conference.
Do you think Keir Starmer is right to cut foreign aid to boost defence? Vote now and have your say in the comments section below.