UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Diane Abbott condemns Keir Starmer’s defense spending policy, calling it “morally indefensible” and argues cutting foreign aid won’t make Britain safer.
A Labour MP, Diane Abbott, criticized the Labour leader’s approach, arguing that cuts to the international aid budget for military expansion reveal the Labour government’s misplaced priorities.
What did Diane Abbott say about Keir Starmer’s defense policy?
Ms Abbott argued that the decision highlighted a significant gap between Labour’s values and the policy, claiming it would fail to improve the UK’s security and was morally indefensible.
Earlier this week, responding to Donald Trump’s influence, Sir Keir pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by slashing international aid assistance.
As reported by the Independent, in response to the Prime Minister‘s proposal, Ms Abbott criticized the decision, stating,
“Cutting the aid budget to fund a rearmament drive is the clearest expression of the Labour government’s misplaced priorities. The gap between this policy and what could be called Labour values is vast. It will not enhance our security and is morally indefensible.”
She criticized the growing “frenzy of warmongering” and the push for higher defense spending, insisting that the fear of Russia as a military threat to Western Europe should be “laid to rest,” adding,
“This is a full rearmament agenda which has little to do with Ukraine itself. Polls show Ukrainians want peace negotiations. Furthermore, without a US commitment to participating in and funding the war, the Nato forces cannot win.”
Referring to the unpopular cuts already made, Ms. Abbott stated,
“The Starmer government is deeply unpopular following the cuts already made. More may follow in the Spring Statement. Cutting aid to some of the world’s poorest to increase military spending is an anathema to many in the Labour Party and beyond. Many of us will argue that if money can be found for the Ukrainian war, then why not pensioners, schoolchildren, poorer families, or the NHS?”
She added,
“We should oppose the increase in military spending. It is an unnecessary distraction from the real crises facing Europe, especially Britain. We simply cannot afford further cuts in real pay, and in public services and public investment.”
Keir Starmer’s stance on increasing defense spending
Keir Starmer has revealed plans to raise military spending by cutting the foreign aid budget, highlighting the need for increased security in a dangerous new era.
The prime minister stated,
“It is my first duty as prime minister to keep our country safe. In an ever more dangerous world, increasing the resilience of our country so we can protect the British people, resist future shocks and bolster British interests is vital.”
He added,
“By spending more on defence, we will deliver the stability that underpins economic growth and will unlock prosperity through new jobs, skills and opportunity across the country.”
Institute for Fiscal Studies views on defense budget increase
Economic experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that the Prime Minister’s defence spending proposal, increasing it to 2.5% of GDP, will cost the Treasury around £6bn, challenging Keir Starmer’s claims of a £13bn annual boost.
IFS also expressed concerns that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may have to break existing tax and spending pledges to meet the PM’s long-term 3% spending target.
The think tank associate director Ben Zaranko stated,
“Getting towards 3 per cent of GDP will eventually mean more tough choices and sacrifices elsewhere – whether higher taxes or cuts to other bits of government.”
What did Bridget Phillipson say about the 2.5% defence spending goal?
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson admitted the ambitious challenge of increasing defense spending, despite Labour’s pledge to present a clear plan after the spring review. She criticized the previous Tory government for leaving public finances “in a devastating state,” hindering her government’s ability to set a clear timeline.
Ms Phillipson added, “We will be spending much more on defence, and our allies need to step up alongside that.”