London, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain should accelerate defence spending after a report said the government was considering bringing forward its goal of spending 3% of GDP on defence.
Current targets and reported timetable
Britain said in February 2025 it would raise annual defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and aim for 3% in the next parliament, expected to begin after an election due in 2029. The BBC reported the government was exploring ways to reach the 3% target by 2029, adding that no decision had been taken and that current plans would not cover rising defence costs.
Starmer’s comments and European context
Asked whether he would bring the target forward to 2029, Starmer echoed comments he made at the Munich Security Conference about Europe uniting to support Ukraine with weapons and munitions and to strengthen military readiness. “We need to step up. That means on defence spending, we need to go faster,” Starmer told reporters on Monday, adding that it went beyond just the amount spent.
NATO spending levels and external pressure
Latest NATO estimates show Britain spent 2.3% of GDP on defence in 2024, above the alliance’s 2% guideline. Britain, like other European countries, has faced U.S. pressure to spend more to protect the continent.
Fiscal constraints and industry concerns
With high debt and spending commitments, the government last year cut its international aid budget to fund the increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. It has not yet published an investment plan with spending priorities, which has frustrated the defence industry.
Cost estimates and finance ministry caution
The Office for Budget Responsibility said last year that raising defence spending to 3% of GDP would cost an additional 17.3 billion pounds a year in 2029-30. Finance minister Rachel Reeves has struggled to stay on track with her plans to repair the public finances, and the BBC said the finance ministry was believed to be cautious about new defence spending proposals.
Government response
A government spokesperson declined to comment on any revised plans, saying Britain was “delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.”
What do you think Britain should prioritise in any new defence spending plan?
