“Mark my words the British defence industry will be the engine of national renewal.”
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at the London Defence Conference at King's
08 May 2025
Sir Keir Starmer announces boost in defence spending at King's conference
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has today committed to the “largest sustained increase since the Cold War” for defence spending during a speech given on the 80th anniversary of VE Day at King’s College London.
Speaking at the London Defence Conference hosted today at King's, the Prime Minister announced a boost in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament – meaning an additional £13.4 billion year on year.
He also promised a significant investment in the British defence industry, including a £563 million contract with Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of the UK’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets.
“This investment is not just about maintaining our defence capabilities; it is about boosting our economy and demonstrating that British engineering remains at the heart of our national renewal,” he said.
Starmer said an investment in British pride and the British people would “build a nation that once again lives up to the promises made to that generation who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.”
“This isn’t just about increasing our defence spend – it’s also about reform, rebuilding. Our task now is to seize the defence dividend, felt directly in the pockets of working people – rebuilding our industrial base, creating the jobs of the future, the skills for the next generation."
The Prime Minister also spoke of a “major overhaul” of the British armed services, promising the largest pay rise in over 20 years for personnel and to ensure they receive the “respect they deserve".
Acknowledging the 80th anniversary since the Allies accepted the formal surrender of Nazi Germany, Starmer paid tribute to veterans of World War Two and drew parallels between modern day and 1945, describing today as a “more dangerous era of history” and emphasising the importance of strengthening partnerships with allies across Europe and the US.
The London Defence Conference, now in its fourth year, brings together hundreds of academics, policymakers and security industry experts at King's College London.