Britain is poised to sign up to a NATO target of lifting defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, according to defence sources. The proposal comes after a campaign by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to keep US President Donald Trump onboard. The UK has agreed to increase its current 2.33% of GDP to 2.5% by 2027 and 3% in the next parliament.
The decision follows criticism from Trump, who has repeatedly complained about NATO members failing to meet existing spending targets. Rutte’s proposal allows for a broad interpretation of the additional 1.5% spend, which can include commercial transport infrastructure.
NATO allies are desperate to keep Trump onboard and prevent the summit from descending into chaos. The US president had previously demanded that NATO members hike defence spending to 5% of GDP, but Rutte’s plan is seen as a compromise.
The UK’s Labour government had planned to increase its defence spending to 3%, but will now agree to the 3.5% target after a campaign by Rutte and NATO officials. The move is expected to be funded by savings from other government budgets or higher taxes.
The decision marks a significant shift for the UK, which has previously been hesitant to increase its defence spending. However, it follows a long-standing commitment to “Nato-first” defence strategy announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this year.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/03/nato-defence-spending-uk-trump