UK to spend £300bn on defence over four years, Starmer says

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will spend roughly £300 billion on defence over the next four years, describing the figure as the largest defence budget in the country's history. He said the funding will be directed toward next-generation fighter jets, submarines and military equipment. The government said the spending plan is intended to strengthen the defence industry and meet commitments under NATO. Additional resources will go toward expanding British Army personnel capacity and investment in cybersecurity, according to the statement. Officials said defence spending will reach 2.5% of gross domestic product in the coming fiscal year, with the ratio set to rise further by the end of the four-year period. Starmer said the decision was taken in response to growing security risks across Europe.