Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to overrule Chancellor Rachel Reeves by pushing for increased military spending, as part of efforts to strengthen support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Starmer is set to attend emergency talks in Paris on Monday with European leaders, following pressure from the United States for Europe to step up its assistance to Ukraine.
The move comes as Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned that defense spending may need to rise significantly—potentially to Cold War levels—if Russia is allowed to prevail in Ukraine. Lammy emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that “Putin will not go away” and that while 23 NATO countries are now spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense, further increases are necessary.
Sir Keir is expected to advocate for higher defense spending not only to support Ukraine but also to strengthen ties with the United States, particularly ahead of a planned meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. The Prime Minister’s push for increased military funding could mark a significant shift in the government’s priorities, as the UK currently spends 2.3% of its GDP on defense, with calls to raise this to 2.65%.
Downing Street has previously expressed its commitment to increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, a goal set since Labour came to power last year. However, a clear timetable for achieving this target has yet to be outlined. The upcoming spending review is expected to provide a roadmap for reaching this goal.
Lammy’s comments at the Munich Security Conference highlighted the growing consensus that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense. He noted that while it is positive that 23 NATO countries are meeting the 2% spending benchmark, “we all know we have to go upward.” He reiterated the UK’s commitment to reaching 2.5% and promised to outline a pathway to achieving this in the coming months.
The push for increased defense spending follows a stark warning from US Vice-President JD Vance, who told the Munich Security Conference that Europe must “step up in a big way to provide for its own defense.” This sentiment reflects growing concerns about the sustainability of US support for Ukraine and the need for European nations to take a more proactive role in ensuring regional security.
As Sir Keir prepares to engage in high-stakes discussions with European leaders and President Trump, the debate over defense spending is likely to intensify. The Prime Minister’s decision to prioritize military funding could signal a significant shift in the government’s approach to national security and its commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
