Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to provide a specific timetable for the government to meet the target of spending 3 percent of the UK's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense. When questioned by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in the House of Commons, Burnham stated that his Chancellor, John Healey, would unveil plans to reach 3 percent and subsequently 3.5 percent of GDP on defense during the upcoming spending review.
Burnham asserted that he appointed Healey as Chancellor precisely because of his commitment to defense. Healey himself had previously indicated that the spring 2027 spending review would set out a clear path to meet the NATO commitment of 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035, and would include a target date for reaching 3 percent.
These statements come amid scrutiny following the resignation of John Healey as defense secretary under the previous administration, which cited concerns over underfunding defense investments. The former prime minister had set plans to increase defense spending to 2.7 percent of GDP by 2027/28, but with no further details provided. The Treasury has confirmed that plans for reaching both the 3 percent and 3.5 percent targets will be revealed at the spending review.
According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, committing to 3 percent defense spending by 2030 would require an additional £17.3 billion for the UK. James Cartlidge, the shadow defense secretary, has accused Healey of backtracking on a pledge that was significant in the previous government's downfall. Healey has previously emphasized fiscal discipline, stating that the government cannot address national problems by overspending. Burnham has recently acknowledged the challenging fiscal backdrop for the upcoming budget.