UK PM Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to expedite the increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP to avoid potential military reductions, even as considerations are made for deploying troops to Ukraine, according to Sky News sources.
Defence insiders argue that while an additional £5 billion per year would raise the current spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP, this still falls short of the necessary funding to thoroughly modernise and enhance the UK’s military capabilities.
Experts suggest that an increase to at least 3% of GDP is essential.
Sources express that achieving the government’s 2.5% target swiftly could avert significant capability cuts, particularly as Donald Trump urges European nations to bolster their military strength. “There needs to be an immediate injection of funds, or the military must brace for further reductions,” one insider disclosed under anonymity.
Another defence source highlighted the strategic importance of reaching the 2.5% threshold sooner rather than later, noting its potential benefits for the UK’s relations with the new US administration and its leadership within NATO.
Despite the Prime Minister’s commitment to a 2.5% defence spending goal, details regarding the timing and fulfilment of this target remain unspecified.
Defence circles are concerned that the Treasury might delay this increase until the end of the current parliament, a postponement that could critically weaken the UK’s armed forces.
