The United Kingdom announced a plan Tuesday to increase its defense spending in an overt signal to President Donald Trump, who is expected to welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the White House later this week.

Starmer told Parliament that the U.K. would increase its defense spending from 2.3% of the gross domestic product to 2.5% by 2027, with another goal of hitting 3% by the end of the next government’s term, which would be 2034 at the latest.

“It is my first duty as prime minister to keep our country safe,” Starmer said. “In an ever more dangerous world, increasing the resilience of our country so we can protect the British people, resist future shocks, and bolster British interests is vital.”

The increase in spending will be offset by cutting 0.2% of international aid spending.

“As we enter this new era for national security,” he added, “Britain will once again lead the way.”

Starmer and Trump are set to meet Thursday in Washington, days removed from the third anniversary of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly pushed European countries to increase their defense spending.

The NATO alliance requires all members to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense. In 2024, 23 of the 32 members met that benchmark.

Trump’s push for NATO allies to increase their defense spending dates back to his first administration, though he has said since returning to office that all NATO members should spend 5% of their GDP on defense.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO allies that the United States is not “primarily focused on the security of Europe.”

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The U.S. and U.K. had been in lockstep with support for Ukraine under the Biden administration, but the Trump administration has adopted a different policy perspective, which is to prioritize trying to end the conflict.

The rift between the U.S. and Europe has been on display in recent weeks since the Trump administration began its push to end the conflict. On Monday, the U.S. notably voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution blaming Russia for the war. It was joined by Russia, North Korea, and more than a dozen other Moscow-aligned nations.