UK Defence Spending Debate Intensifies as Military Leaders Demand Urgent Increases

Former military chiefs warn that current funding levels leave British forces unprepared for future challenges, with calls for spending to rise beyond 3% of GDP.

• Former Army head Lord Dannatt criticized the UK government’s current defence spending plans as inadequate, warning they could consign Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the 'bin of history.'
• The UK currently spends 2.3% of GDP on defence, with a government target of 2.5%, but military leaders are urging increases to at least 3% or higher.
• Military leaders highlighted the deteriorated state of British armed forces, noting insufficient troop numbers and outdated equipment would hinder potential peacekeeping missions in Ukraine.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US President Donald Trump have both called for European nations to take on greater financial responsibility for defence, with Trump suggesting a 5% GDP target.
• The Strategic Defence Review, expected this spring, will outline plans to increase defence spending, but critics argue immediate action is needed to address current military shortfalls.

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