UK Defence Spending Hike to 3% GDP Faces Government Ambiguity

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil a Strategic Defence Review aiming to increase the UK's defence spending to 3% of GDP, a key part of preparing Britain for rising global threats including Russia. However, there is notable confusion and backtracking within the government about the commitment's certainty and timing, with Defence Secretary John Healey initially expressing confidence the target would be met by 2034 but later describing it as only an 'ambition.' Armed forces minister Luke Pollard reaffirmed the commitment, but conflicting statements have sparked criticism, particularly from the Conservative Party, which questions the feasibility of funding major defence projects such as new nuclear-powered submarines without a firm spending plan. External experts involved in the review have emphasized that their recommendations are based on the assurance that defence spending will reach 3%, highlighting the importance of this target for the strategy's success. The Treasury's concerns over balancing the budget amid economic challenges appear to contribute to the government's hesitancy. Despite the uncertainty, the government plans to press ahead with significant military investments, including a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, as part of its efforts to enhance UK defence capabilities.