The UK unveils its biggest military budget increase since the Cold War, prioritizing confrontation with Russia while cutting social support and international aid. Critics warn of the consequences for British society and global stability.

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In a move reminiscent of Cold War escalation, the British government has announced its largest increase in military spending in decades, explicitly aiming to send a “message to Moscow.”

Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed that defense spending will reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and could rise to 3% in the early 2030s, amounting to an additional $17 billion annually. Meanwhile, organizations and community groups warn that this boost is being funded at the expense of international aid and essential public services, deepening the social crisis in the UK.

The surge in military expenditure has drawn sharp criticism from peace organizations, which highlight the diversion of public funds to the arms industry while support for social programs and international cooperation is slashed.

The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) notes that the government plans to finance this increase “pound for pound” by making deep cuts to Official Development Assistance, dropping it from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP, and by reducing benefits for the sick and disabled. “This choice of war over welfare will cost lives among the most vulnerable and undermine global development, ultimately making the UK less secure”, CAAT warns.

Official statements frame the spending hike as a response to the “Russian threat” and an opportunity to make the UK a “defense industrial superpower.” However, experts dispute the claim that military spending will drive economic growth or innovation.

The Strategic Defence Review is clear our forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them.

Yesterday I saw this in action at @MBDA_UK.

And it's why today we've confirmed we’ll procure 7,000 long-range weapons & invest £1.5bn to build 6 new munitions factories. pic.twitter.com/0tZcDf85ek

— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) June 1, 2025

“The notion that defense spending is a great way to boost the economy is even more questionable than the supposed need to defend against Russia”, CAAT argues, pointing out that the arms industry does not deliver the promised jobs or development, while social cuts increase hardship.

The government’s militarization drive has sparked widespread opposition. The Stop the War Coalition and the Peace Pledge Union describe the defense budget increase as “an addiction to war” and “an insult” to those suffering from the cost-of-living crisis.

“While subsidies for pensioners are slashed and public services become more expensive, the government prioritizes weapons purchases and military escalation,” says Lindsey German, spokesperson for Stop the War. “When our schools are crumbling and hospitals are overwhelmed, it is inconceivable to spend billions on war and armaments”.

In this context, the UK’s message to Moscow is also a message to its own people and the world: militarization and confrontation are taking precedence over cooperation, peace, and social welfare. Critics warn that this path will only deepen inequality and conflict, both within and beyond Britain’s borders.

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