Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has stated that Labour cannot commit to a target of spending 3% of GDP on defense by 2030, as the party has not yet determined how to fund such an increase. Streeting refused multiple times to guarantee the government would meet this spending target by the end of the current parliamentary term.
This stance follows similar reticence from other Labour figures, including Andy Burnham, who also avoided committing to the 3% defense spending goal. Despite these hesitations, Streeting emphasized the importance of national security, stating that "there could be 'no social justice without national security'." The appointment of John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer had previously raised hopes for increased defense prioritization, as Healey had previously called for a "headmark date" of 3% of GDP for defense spending by 2030. Streeting had referred to Healey as a "firm friend" to the Armed Forces within the Treasury.
However, the lack of firm commitments from both Burnham and Streeting has reportedly dampened spirits within the sector. Streeting explained to the BBC's Today programme that the Prime Minister has stated the Defense Investment Plan must be fully funded and that conversations about funding are for future spending reviews. He added that committing to a specific spending percentage without a clear funding plan could lead to uncertainty and a loss of market confidence, mirroring what he described as a trap previously fallen into by governments.
Labour peer Admiral Lord West criticized the party's leadership for prioritizing security without providing concrete spending commitments. He characterized the current approach as employing "smoke and mirrors" and noted that the government's announcement of £8.4 billion for the UK's nuclear deterrent was a "non-event" as that funding was always secured.
Conservative defense spokesman James Cartlidge criticized Labour's position, suggesting that Healey, given his past statements, should have presented a plan for achieving 3% spending. Cartlidge pointed out that the current Defense Investment Plan only projects spending to reach 2.68% of GDP by 2030, the same level that reportedly led to Healey's resignation as defense secretary.
Business leaders have also expressed concerns. BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn called for a "clear pathway" to meet NATO's spending obligation of 3.5% by 2035, a timeline that has yet to be established.
In related developments, Andy Burnham visited a submarine factory in Barrow-in-Furness to mark the government's commitment to building new submarines for the UK's nuclear deterrent. The first of four Dreadnought-class vessels is expected to enter service by the mid-2030s, replacing the current Vanguard-class submarines. Prime Minister stated that building these submarines secures Britain for decades and supports thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.
However, General Sir Richard Barrons, involved in a previous strategic defense review, accused the Prime Minister of using the submarine announcement as a "smokescreen" to avoid addressing broader defense spending issues. He warned that spending must increase rapidly to counter the Russian threat and that ignoring the problem would have serious consequences as the deadline for credible deterrence approaches.