A 2017 speech by a senior Trump aide inadvertently shifted Britain’s focus from potential military spending cuts to a significant defence funding boost. The speech, which hinted at a decrease in US support for European allies, prompted Labour to reconsider its proposed cuts to the UK’s military.
Prior to this revelation, Labour had planned to make substantial reductions to defence spending as part of its strategic review. However, with the US commitment to Europe appearing to wane, the government decided to re-evaluate its own defence strategy. This shift in policy was largely driven by concerns over the impact of reduced US support on NATO’s collective security and Britain’s ability to defend itself.
As a result, the UK government increased defence funding, reversing Labour’s planned cuts. The decision reflected a growing recognition that maintaining a robust military presence is crucial for national security and the country’s relationships with its international partners.
Source: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/pete-hegseth-nato-defence-spending-labour-shqd2kt5f