Defence: Finance
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a year-by-year expenditure trajectory for meeting 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035.
Answered by Ministry of Defence
The Government is committed to strengthening the UK's national security and meeting its NATO commitments.
Defence spending is increasing significantly and is expected to rise by 27% in real terms between 2023-24 and 2029-30. From 2027-28 onwards, the UK will spend 2.7% of GDP on core NATO-defined defence expenditure, maintaining its position as one of NATO's leading contributors.
The Government has committed to increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament, with funding and plans to be considered through future Spending Review processes. Alongside NATO Allies, the UK has also committed to reach 3.5% of GDP on defence spending by 2035 and remains committed to meeting its obligations under the NATO Defence Investment Pledge.
Detailed decisions on future spending profiles beyond the current spending period will be considered as part of future fiscal events and Spending Reviews.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →