Labour’s Defence Secretary John Healey has effectively ruled out his party’s previous goal of spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2034, instead stating that it is now a certainty. The UK Government will announce its 10-year defence plan this week, with estimates suggesting it could cost an additional £17.3bn in 2029-30.
Healey’s comments come as the government prepares for a review into Britain’s defence spending, which has been delayed due to rows between Whitehall and the Treasury. The review warns of an “immediate and pressing” danger posed by Russia and describes Iran and North Korea as “regional disruptors”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously outlined the 3% target, but Healey now says it is a certainty that Britain will spend 3% on defence in the next parliament. This would mean an additional £10 billion in annual spending on defence, despite criticism over proposed cuts to public services.
The decision has been welcomed by NATO member states, who are expected to agree to a new defence spending target of up to 3.5% of GDP at their upcoming summit in June.
Source: https://www.inkl.com/news/britain-will-without-a-doubt-spend-10-billion-extra-on-defence-says-labour