The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, with a target to outline the path to this goal in the coming months.
The timeline for the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) also came under scrutiny during a parliamentary session, with Defence Secretary John Healey defending the Government’s approach.
Patrick Spencer, Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, asked about the target date for achieving the 2.5% defence spending commitment. Healey responded, “The Government are delivering for defence by increasing defence spending. There is already £3 billion extra for next year, and a commitment to setting a path to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence in the spring.”
Spencer raised concerns about ensuring the spending is allocated effectively, stating, “It is all very well spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, but we have to spend it on the right kit.” He urged investment in technologies such as surface-to-air missiles, hypersonic missile systems, and counter-drone technology to maintain the British Army’s technological edge.
Healey reassured Spencer, highlighting the UK’s longstanding position as one of NATO’s highest defence spenders and noting that “the last time this country spent 2.5% on defence was in 2010 under the previous Labour Government—a level of defence spending that was not matched once during the 14 years in which his party was in government.”
James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, sought clarity on the timing of the SDR’s publication, noting discrepancies in earlier statements. He pointed out that while Healey had previously committed to a spring timeline, a written answer suggested the report would be presented to Parliament in the second half of 2025.
Healey denied any delay, stating, “I have not done that. The work of the reviewers leading the strategic defence review is thorough and flat out. The review has been widely contributed to and is the first of its kind in this country, allowing fresh thinking in defence planning. On the 2.5% commitment, as we said in the plan for change, we will set out a path to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence in the spring. The Government are delivering on defence and defence reform; we will deliver on defence funding, too.”
Cartlidge pressed further, arguing that the timeline effectively pushes parliamentary reporting to the second half of the year. Healey dismissed the concern, saying, “We are dancing on the head of a pin here—the spring is in the first half of the year. The strategic defence review will report in the spring. It will report directly to the Prime Minister, to the Chancellor and to me, and I will update the House directly.”
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Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a defence analyst and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk
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