UK to boost defense spending by £15 billion annually

Britain is significantly boosting its defense budget, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing an additional £15 billion annually for the military. This brings the total defense investment to nearly £80 billion per year by 2029.

Starmer emphasized the need for preparedness in a world of increasing aggression, stating, "When the world is rearming, and aggression is rising, the best way to avoid war is to prepare." The funds will be allocated to crucial areas such as long-range missiles, armored vehicles, fighter jets, and a substantial £5 billion for drones and autonomous weapons.

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When the world is rearming, and aggression is rising, the best way to avoid war is to prepare.

However, this increased military spending comes at a cost. Starmer acknowledged that some infrastructure and energy projects will be scrapped to accommodate the defense budget. While the new amount falls short of the £28 billion initially requested by the Ministry of Defence, Starmer defended it as the "largest sustained increase" since the Cold War. He noted that while he respects the opinions of military experts who believe the sum is insufficient, there will always be calls for higher spending.

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largest sustained increase