Trump comeback to trigger defence spending boost by Starmer

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Posted on 11/08/2024 5:27:54 PM PST by MinorityRepublican

Sir Keir Starmer is set to reveal plans to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP within weeks of Donald Trump taking office, The Telegraph understands.

The long-awaited timetable for increasing UK military spending is expected to be announced in the spring as Labour looks to build a relationship with the incoming US president.

The move would be seen as an olive branch to Mr Trump, who for years has railed against European allies for riding on the coat-tails of US defence spending and called for more contributions.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, used an interview with The Telegraph to declare the Government “will always do what’s necessary to defend the country”, saying a “path” to 2.5 per cent GDP spending was on its way.

Government insiders, Labour grandees and defence industry sources have all told The Telegraph they expect the timetable for hitting 2.5 per cent to be unveiled in spring 2025, just weeks after Mr Trump enters the White House in January.

It would follow the completion of the strategic defence review and potentially come alongside the announcements for the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) budgets for 2027 and 2028.

(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...

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