By UK Expected to Increase Defence Spending to 3.5% to Keep US on Side
The UK is expected to implement the largest increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, aiming to send a clear message to Russia and maintain US support.
Britain is now expected to agree to a NATO proposal to lift defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, up from the previous 3% target. This move follows calls from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has criticised European allies for not meeting their commitments.
Rutte’s proposal calls for NATO allies to spend 3.5% on conventional defence and 1.5% on cyber and infrastructure, totalling 5%. Without meeting these targets, there are fears the UK will be left behind.
The plan would add around £30bn in spending beyond Labour’s current commitments. However, funding this increase may require cuts elsewhere or higher taxes, as the foreign aid budget is not sufficient to cover the rise.
Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO, arguing that the US shoulders a disproportionate burden for Europe’s security. NATO allies are keen to secure Trump’s support amid concerns he could destabilise the summit. Rutte has worked closely with Trump, meeting him several times since last November.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick of the Conservatives welcomed the spending boost but expressed doubt over whether the Treasury would deliver. He urged the government to reach 3% of GDP within this parliament, which runs until 2029.
The NATO summit later this month will finalise these plans.
Left-leaning outlets highlighted concerns over the scale of military spending and adopted the angle of the UK being forced into the spending hike, while right-leaning outlets framed the increase as necessary for Britain to maintain its security, with some suggesting the plans don’t go far enough.
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