Starmer's defence pledge: percentages are not the whole story
Projects like the European Long Range Strike Approach, not increased spending alone, will convince the Americans that Europe is serious.
Apparently, by 2027, the UK is to spend £13 billion more on defence than it does now. This will raise the defence budget. Mind you, statistics also show that those who celebrate more birthdays live longer.
The announcement of an increase to 2.5 per cent in the defence budget this week was quite grand. It is true that we are at a crossroads, and the Trump Administration’s clarity on why the Europeans must pay for their defence has concentrated minds in an age when we may no longer be able to rely on Washington.
So Prime Minister Starmer put on that voice politicians do when speaking about grave matters of national importance. The Downing Street press release even managed to convey his tone: "This increase in defence investment will help us build a modern and resilient Armed Forces. It will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge capabilities that are vital to retain a decisive edge as threats rapidly evolve".
So, can we all sleep safer in our beds despite contemplating the Russian hordes pouring across the North European Plain while Donald Trump, armed only with a giant bag of popcorn, watches the show on Fox News? No.