The UK government has announced a significant increase in defence spending while simultaneously cutting the international aid budget, reflecting a major shift in strategy. This decision contrasts sharply with Labour's commitment to increase development spending to 0.7% of gross national income, highlighting a political pivot influenced by current geopolitical tensions, particularly the threat posed by Russia. The announcement aligns with a growing consensus among UK political leaders on the necessity of bolstering defence in the face of global insecurity, as traditional security structures evolve.
On page 125, it states: "Labour is committed to restoring development spending at the level of 0.7% of gross national income as soon as fiscal circumstances allow."
The prime minister recalls how the Berlin Wall coming down made him feel, contrasting that with the reality of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
There has been a growing recognition that more money had to be spent on defence as a response to geopolitical changes.
The 1990s were seen as a holiday from history, a time when defence budgets atrophied while education and healthcare received funding.
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