Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2030, reaching £87 billion annually. The pledge, made during a speech in Poland, aims to put the country's arms industry on a 'war footing' in response to global threats.
Sunak described the move as the 'biggest strengthening of our national defence in a generation', with an extra £75 billion allocated over six years. The UK currently spends 2.32% of GDP on defence. The plan includes a commitment of at least £3 billion per year in military aid to Ukraine 'for as long as required'.
The announcement follows pressure from Conservative MPs, including Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, and former defence secretaries who had called for an increase to 3% of GDP. Sunak stressed that the spending is fully funded, partly through cuts to the civil service and increased investment in research and development.
Labour has not yet matched the commitment, though shadow cabinet minister Steve Reed indicated the party 'would want to match that'. Labour leader Keir Starmer has previously pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5% 'as soon as resources allow'.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Sunak urged allies to step up, noting that the UK will become the second-largest NATO contributor after the United States. He warned against complacency in 'the most dangerous world since the Cold War'.
