Last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a plan to increase defence spendingto 2.5% of GDP by 2027, up from the current 2.3%. This increase is to be funded by reducing the international aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI). The decision has sparked debate, with critics arguing that cutting aid could undermine the UK's global influence and moral standing. Proponents, however, contend that bolstering defence is essential in response to escalating global threats. This policy shift reflects a broader trend among European nations to enhance military capabilities amid rising security concerns. In the wake of the announcement, International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds resigned from the frontbench, holding off until after the PM visited with US President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Washington DC towards the end of the week, to engage in discussions with the US President, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and address pressing global issues. A central focus of their meeting was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine; Starmer advocated for firm US security guarantees to support European efforts in securing a lasting peace. However, President Trump remained non-committal, emphasising the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for regional security. The leaders also explored economic matters, with Starmer securing assurances that the UK would likely be exempt from upcoming US tariffs affecting other European countries. Additionally, they discussed the future of the Chagos Islands, agreeing on a plan to return the territory to Mauritius while maintaining the strategic military base on Diego Garcia under a long-term leaseback arrangement. A second official visit to the UK is also in the works, as King Charles has invited the President to Scotland.
Following Sir Keir was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who went in to discuss a US-Ukraine critical minerals deal. However, the encounter, broadcast live from the Oval Office, quickly escalated into a contentious exchange. President Trump and Vice President Vance criticised President Zelenskyy, accusing him of ingratitude and questioning his commitment to peace negotiations with Russia. The meeting, intended to finalise a mineral-rights agreement to fund US military aid to Ukraine, ended abruptly without a resolution, marking a significant low point in US-Ukraine relations. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the US's role in global conflicts and its commitment to supporting democratic allies. Some commentators view the administration's approach as a retreat from global responsibility, potentially leaving Europe to handle Ukraine's security and weakening US commitments.
This weekend, London hosted a high-stakes Ukraine peace summit, bringing together key European leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The summit focused on efforts to secure a one-month ceasefire as a stepping stone toward broader peace negotiations with Russia. Starmer and Macron led discussions on increasing European defence spending and reducing reliance on US security commitments amid uncertainty over American foreign policy under President Trump. While the ceasefire proposal received backing from several European nations, securing Russian cooperation remains a significant challenge. Zelenskyy used the platform to urge European allies to maintain and expand military support for Ukraine, emphasising that any peace deal must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Zelenskyy also met the King at Sandringham before heading back to Ukraine. The summit underscored the growing role of the UK and France in leading European diplomatic efforts, particularly as transatlantic tensions continue to reshape global alliances.
What’s On in Parliament
Monday 3rd March
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Legislation: Finance Bill – Remaining stages
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Ensuring UK airports have dedicated lines for British passport holders
- Legislation: House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill – committee stage (day 1)
Tuesday 4th March
House of Commons
- Oral questions: HM Treasury
- Adjournment: Trade diversion and Windsor Framework Article 16
- Westminster Hall debate: Community sport facilities
House of Lords
- Legislation: Crown Estate Bill – consideration of Commons amendments
- Legislation: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – report stage
- Oral questions: Addressing the theft of mobile phones
Wednesday 5th March
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Scotland
- Prime Minister’s Question Time
- Westminster Hall debate: Potential merits of free-to-air coverage of professional cycling
House of Lords
- Debate: Review of the Code of Conduct and the Guide to the Code of Conduct
- Legislation: Product Regulation and Metrology Bill – report stage (day 2)
- Legislation: Armed Forces Commissioner Bill – second reading
Thursday 6th March
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Cabinet Office
- Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House
- Backbench Business: General Debate on International Women’s Day
House of Lords
- Debate: International Women’s Day and the promotion of women’s participation and leadership in science and technology in the UK and internationally
- Grand Committee Debate: International Relations and Defence Committee report: ‘Ukraine: a wake up call’
- Oral questions: Introducing admission charges to museums and galleries for non-UK residents
Friday 7th March
House of Commons
- Private Members' Bills
House of Lords
- The House of Lords is not sitting. The House will next sit on 10th March 2025.
Consultations
- Zero emission vans: regulatory flexibility – closes 3rd March
- Credit Union Common Bond Reform – closes 6th March
- Developing an energy smart data scheme – closes 10th March
Statistics
- Economic activity and social change in the UK, real-time indicators – published 6thMarch
- UK films at the worldwide box office: 2024 – published 6th March
- First-time buyer mortgage sales, by local authority, UK: 2006 to 2023 – published 6th March