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Former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a nearly £300 billion defence spending plan over the next four years, calling it the biggest sustained increase since the 1980s. The investment will raise annual defence spending to nearly £80 billion by 2029, boost military capabilities, and strengthen national security amid rising geopolitical tensions and NATO commitments.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a major expansion of Britain's defence budget, pledging nearly £300 billion in spending over the next four years to strengthen the country's armed forces and bolster national security.

Speaking while outlining the government's defence investment plan, Starmer said the package represents the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the 1980s, with total funding rising from the previously planned £270 billion to almost £300 billion after an additional £15 billion allocation.

"We are increasing this by a further £15 billion, setting a new record of spending almost £300 billion over the next four years to back our armed forces and strengthen our national security," he said.

Starmer noted that before his government took office two years ago, the UK was spending £54 billion annually on defence. Under the new plan, annual defence expenditure will rise to nearly £80 billion by 2029, representing a 27% real-terms increase.