National Security: Finance
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, given General Sir Richard Barrons' evidence to the Defence Committee on 7 July 2026 that expenditure under the 1.5% of GDP NATO resilience target has not funded the security of military airbases, the condition of military ports, NHS mass casualty capacity, or mobilisation and forward-basing stock, why his Department did not prioritise these areas.
Answered by Luke Pollard
The UK has met the NATO 1.5% commitment on security and resilience, reflecting investment across civil-military capability, resilience, industrial capacity, stockpiles and support to partners.
Under the NATO definition, investment in defence infrastructure and capabilities is core defence spend. The Defence Investment Plan has set out investments over the next 10 years, including £51 billion earmarked for the Defence estate; modernising critical airbase and airfield capabilities and delivering the biggest naval upgrade for 45 years.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →