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The Today Podcast
What will Starmer’s defence spending buy from Trump?
Feb 27, 2025
Rachel Ellehuus, the new Director General of RUSI and former US military strategist, alongside Fiona Hill, former chief of staff to Theresa May and Russia expert, dive into the implications of Keir Starmer’s increased defense spending amid humanitarian concerns. They discuss the shifting dynamics of UK defense policies, navigating diplomatic relations with Donald Trump, and the challenges of military recruitment in a changing global landscape. Anecdotes and insights about personal rapport between leaders add a layer of intrigue to these pressing topics.
54:20
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Quick takeaways
- Sir Keir Starmer's decision to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP reflects a strategic attempt to align with U.S. expectations under President Trump.
- The proposed cuts to the humanitarian aid budget may undermine Britain's global influence and humanitarian commitments in an increasingly competitive geopolitical climate.
Deep dives
Defense Spending and Political Trade-offs
The recent proposal to boost Britain's defense spending to 2.5% of GDP highlights the political trade-offs involved in governmental budgeting. In contrast to this increase, the humanitarian aid budget faces significant cuts, which could undermine Britain's soft power and its efforts in global humanitarian work. This decision has sparked concerns about the long-term impacts of reducing aid expenditures and which nations might fill the resulting void, particularly speculations that rivals like China could strengthen their influence. Furthermore, this shift raises questions regarding Prime Minister Starmer's leadership perception, as critics suggest he may appear as more of a follower than a decisive leader in the international arena.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode