British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, returning from a NATO summit, launched a review of the UK's armed forces. It aims to chart a path to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.
Keir Starmer said the review, which will be overseen by Defense Secretary John Healy, will ensure "responsible increases in defence spending", AFP reported.
"At the start of a new era for Britain, we need a new era for defence" and "the review will ensure that defence is at the heart of Britain's future security as well as its economic growth and prosperity," Healey said.
The first report is expected in the first half of 2025.
At NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington last week, Starmer reiterated the UK's support for the Western military alliance and its "serious commitment" to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.
At the same summit, John Healey called on NATO to consider moving to a 2.5% target, with NATO allies committing to a 2% target in 2014.
Other specific goals of the review include "supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression" and "modernizing and maintaining the nuclear deterrent."
At the summit, the new Labor prime minister pledged to provide £3 billion a year in military support to Ukraine until 2030-2031.
During the election campaign, the Conservatives criticized Starmer for failing to set a timetable for increasing defence spending and said Labor posed a "danger" to national security. | BGNES
