UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a longer-term ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament. However, he has declined to specify a timeline for achieving the 3% target, stating that setting an arbitrary date would be “the politics of yesterday.” Instead, he emphasized the importance of conducting a strategic defence review to determine the necessary steps within the government’s fiscal rules.
The government’s strategic defence review outlines plans to make the British Army “10 times more lethal” by incorporating advanced technologies such as AI, drones, and long-range weapons. The review also includes the construction of 12 new nuclear-powered submarines and enhancements to cyber and space defences. While the review avoids military cuts and plans to increase army personnel to 76,000, critics have raised concerns about the lack of confirmed funding sources and the potential impact on welfare and aid budgets.
Opposition parties have criticized Starmer’s refusal to set a specific date for the 3% defence spending target, arguing that it reflects a lack of urgency in addressing national security threats. Some military figures have also expressed concerns that delaying the decision could hinder necessary investments in the armed forces.
In summary, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to increasing defence spending, he has chosen not to set a specific date for reaching the 3% GDP target, opting instead for a strategic review to determine the path forward within fiscal constraints.
