Starmer Backs Trump’s Call for Europe to Increase Defence Spending

[Social Media]

 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance that the UK and Europe must take greater responsibility for their own defence. Speaking at the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow, Starmer acknowledged the growing instability in Europe and committed to ensuring Britain plays a leading role in protecting the continent.  

 

“Instability in Europe always washes up on our shores,” he stated. “And this is a generational moment. I've been saying for some time that we Europeans—including the United Kingdom—have to do more for our defence and security. The US is right about that.”

 

Starmer emphasized that the UK can no longer “cling to the comforts of the past” and that it is time to take full responsibility for security. His comments align with Trump’s recent assertion that European NATO members should contribute more to their own defence, allowing the United States to scale back its financial commitments. Trump's remarks triggered an emergency meeting among European leaders, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

 

Currently, the UK spends 2.3% of its GDP on defence, but Starmer has committed to increasing this to 2.5%. However, he has yet to specify a timeline for achieving this target. Speculation suggests that he may unveil the details during his upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday. This announcement was initially expected to be part of a broader defence spending review in the spring.  

 

Starmer also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. He suggested that Britain would be prepared to send troops as part of a future peacekeeping force following a potential peace agreement. His remarks, however, sparked controversy among European allies. Germany and Italy cautioned that it was premature to discuss deploying troops, while France signaled agreement with the UK’s position.  

 

“As we enter a new phase in this conflict, we must now deepen our solidarity even further,” Starmer said. “There can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine. And the people of Ukraine must have long-term security.”  

 

With rising tensions in Europe and ongoing debates about NATO’s role, Starmer’s alignment with Trump’s view on defence spending signals a shift in the UK’s strategic priorities. As he prepares to meet with Trump in Washington, the world will be watching to see if the UK formally commits to a new level of defence investment.

 

Based on a report by Sky News  2025-02-25

 

 

[blaze master]

Well isn't this a pickle. A labor government backing a fascists words. 

 

And former ? 

 

[ronster]

Worried about spending yet can't even stop people arriving in boats to the UK daily.

Wonder where he's looking to spend the money , oh wait maybe America by chance 🤔

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

And the people of Ukraine must have long-term security.”

Yeah, more and more are coming. Millions left already, draining the country. I bet only a few would return after peace.

[Thingamabob]

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

Well isn't this a pickle. A labor government backing a fascists words. 

 

And former ? 

 

All Starmer has said he will do is to increase UK defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national expenditure. Hardly a cause for great excitement.

[Harrisfan]

4 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

All Starmer has said he will do is to increase UK defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national expenditure. Hardly a cause for great excitement.

Russia will invade the UK? Keir is an idiot.

[blaze master]

17 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

All Starmer has said he will do is to increase UK defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national expenditure. Hardly a cause for great excitement.

 

Fascists. 

[Snackbar]

100% bent

[Red Forever]

3 hours ago, ronster said:

Worried about spending yet can't even stop people arriving in boats to the UK daily.

Wonder where he's looking to spend the money , oh wait maybe America by chance 🤔

Ah of course, the “boat problem “ only became a problem on July 1st last year.

Maybe Keir should ask the last government how they were so successful at “stopping the boats “.

[Thingamabob]

59 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Russia will invade the UK? Keir is an idiot.

If I was Putin I would be thinking today's UK would be an easy target, however UK is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council which should deter him.

[JonnyF]

4 hours ago, blaze master said:

Well isn't this a pickle. A labor government backing a fascists words. 

 

And former ? 

 

 

It's Labour trying to worm out of holding local elections, already postponing many.

 

As always, the left are exactly what they accuse others of being.

 

But I would agree it does appear Starmer is the latest lefty to start falling in line. 

[BadBouy]

 

[James105]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Currently, the UK spends 2.3% of its GDP on defence, but Starmer has committed to increasing this to 2.5%. However, he has yet to specify a timeline for achieving this target.

 

Could probably get that up to 4% quite easily if we used some of that 2.3% and used our military to assist in capturing and deporting the existing cultural enrichers who invaded on small boats and preventing more invading cultural enrichers by patrolling the English coastline.   I doubt very much that Trump will be impressed by a measly 0.2% extra by 2050 or whenever the unspecified time is.  At least £8bn a year saving on hotels and benefits for enrichers could buy quite a few ships/tanks/guns.  

[Purdey]

Is the UK planning to manufacture it's own defence weapons or buy them from the USA?

[Yagoda]

Where ya getting the money from mate? Tax your peeps more to pay to feed your Muslims and buy new planes?

[proton]

7 hours ago, blaze master said:

Well isn't this a pickle. A labor government backing a fascists words. 

 

And former ? 

 

 

Why do you think Trump is a fascist?

[blaze master]

13 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Why do you think Trump is a fascist?

 

Sarcasm. See jonnyf comment for details. 

[metisdead]

Posts using derogatory and toxic nicknames or intentional misspelling of people’s names will be removed. If you don’t want your post to be removed, spell people’s names correctly, this applies to both sides of the political debate.

[quake]

4 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Russia will invade the UK? Keir is an idiot.

 

Don't worry he will be there on the front line for us all. 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

Starmer is hardly echoing Trump.

 

He’s making the obvious observation that the UK needs to accept the U.S. is no longer a reliable defense partner and act accordingly.

 

Macron and Merz have drawn the same conclusion.

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

3 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Starmer is hardly echoing Trump.

 

He’s making the obvious observation that the UK needs to accept the U.S. is no longer a reliable defense partner and act accordingly.

 

Macron and Merz have drawn the same conclusion.

 

 

 

No, that's your observation. Taking responsibility rather than relying on the US is his. Clinging to past comforts saved money, time to pay up. Simple.

 

8 hours ago, Social Media said:

Starmer emphasized that the UK can no longer “cling to the comforts of the past” and that it is time to take full responsibility for security.

 

[thaibeachlovers]

30 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Don't worry he will be there on the front line for us all. 

 

Is he going to a fancy dress party?

[Flyguy330]

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Where ya getting the money from mate? Tax your peeps more to pay to feed your Muslims and buy new planes?

 

Wait a minute, wait a minute! I've got an idea!

 

Last year the UK spent 54 Billion Pounds on defense.

 

In the same year the UK 'subsidized' Northern Ireland to the tune of 15 BILLION Pounds (that's Billion - with a B).

 

Give Ireland back to the Irish, put the savings in your defense budget, you might even have enough left over to keep your pensioners from freezing to death.

 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

It’s fortunate that the UK can procure excellent military hardware and systems from its own defense industry and that of other European nations.

 

No need to spend any increase in defense budgets with a U.S.  threatening trade wars against the UK while sucking up to a tyrant aggressor on Europe’s borders.

 

 

 

[quake]

10 minutes ago, Flyguy330 said:

Give Ireland back to the Irish, put the savings in your defense budget, you might even have enough left over to keep your pensioners from freezing to death.

 

I like it.

But you could sweeten the deal a little bit.

Give them Scotland for say 50 quid as well.

Win Win. 

 

 

[Flyguy330]

You mean Ireland would have to pay to take it?

Not sure that 50quid would suffice.

 

Just did a rough calculation on the 15 Billion saving by UK on getting out of Ireland - that'd bring the defense spending up to 3%. A number that Starmer is hoping to reach by 2030 (by upping UK taxes I presume). This is a serious Win Win for Ireland and the UK. The only losers are about 100K hardline Ulster Loyalists - fk 'em.

 

I should write to Trump with this idea. He'd probably make me Chancellor Of Reunification (COR). I'm pretty sure he could twist Starmers arm to do it if he gets the notion.

Problem solved! (800 year old one).

 

Oh, and by the way - I wonder how much of the 'defense' budget is actually blown on keeping NI 'under control' (eh, defense, y'know) instead of having those same guns and squaddies over in Ukraine pointing at the REAL enemy!

[Yagoda]

1 minute ago, Flyguy330 said:

 

Wait a minute, wait a minute! I've got an idea!

 

Last year the UK spent 54 Billion Pounds on defense.

 

In the same year the UK 'subsidized' Northern Ireland to the tune of 15 BILLION Pounds (that's Billion - with a B).

 

Give Ireland back to the Irish, put the savings in your defense budget, you might even have enough left over to keep your pensioners from freezing to death.

 

 

 

Uuuup the IRA. Come on bro that is so 70s, with the Provos doing fundraisers and the Gambinos and Westies stealing containers of Smith and Wessons.

 

You Brits, and I include all of you, Irish, Scotts, Welsh in that term, that live on that horrible weathered island need to remember that you are all the worlds greatest pirates and thieves, but kindly in your relations to the world, so whilst it might be cool during the War of the Roses to kill each other over religion, you have to remember that we are in the year 2025 and you are still the UK. Act like it FFS. You guys built the world, maybe if you threw out all the flotsam and jetsam you let into your country and confine your violence between yourselves to the pitch, you will be better off.

 

The United Kingdom. Sir General Lord Frothingslosh of Sussex leading the Queen Own Irish Bandits and the Prince of Wales Scottish 3rd Burglars looting the Imperial City. oooh rah! Dont give it back! Grow some balls again, we need you, you Brits speak English.

[Flyguy330]

Stick your guns up yer bum.

Ireland is a neutral country.

[Yagoda]

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It’s fortunate that the UK can procure excellent military hardware and systems from its own defense industry and that of other European nations.

 

No need to spend any increase in defense budgets with a U.S.  threatening trade wars against the UK while sucking up to a tyrant aggressor on Europe’s borders.

 

 

 

Yeah, good idea, maybe we should nationalize BAE.

 

Your polemics are so silly. You are gonna end up doing what we tell you because sooner or later, thats what the public is gonna tell you.

[Yagoda]

Just now, Flyguy330 said:

Stick your guns up yer bum.

Yikes, struck a nerve? Calling you a Brit is fighting words?