Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Britain “needs to go faster” on defence spending, though sources have clarified that an increase to 3% of GDP before the next election is unlikely. Speaking at a press conference, Starmer highlighted the enduring threat from Russia and said the country must “step up” its military investment.
Downing Street sources later indicated that while Starmer supported faster progress, this did not necessarily mean reaching the 3% figure by 2029. A government source denied there was a “concrete plan” to achieve that target earlier than planned, but did not rule out ongoing discussions.
The remarks follow a BBC report suggesting No 10 wanted to increase the defence budget to 3% of GDP by 2029. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated this would cost an additional £13bn-£14bn in 2029-30, while the Office for Budget Responsibility put the figure at £17.3bn.
A row between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury over a defence investment plan has delayed key contracts, including a £1bn medium lift helicopter deal for Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, Somerset, which supports 3,000 jobs. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called for “definitive leadership”, warning that “dithering” was putting jobs at risk.
Starmer told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that Europe must stand “on our own two feet” regarding defence, acknowledging shifting US priorities. Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton and his German counterpart warned against complacency over the Russian threat, as the UK plans to raise spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 in line with Nato targets.
