Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to commit to a specific timetable for increasing defense spending to 3 percent of the UK's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). When pressed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in Parliament, Burnham indicated that details on meeting this target, and a subsequent goal of 3.5 percent by 2035, would be unveiled during the upcoming spending review in 2027.
Burnham stated that he appointed John Healey as Chancellor "precisely because of his commitment to defence." He added that Healey would set out the plans to reach the 3 percent and 3.5 percent of GDP defense spending targets at the spending review. This position follows a period where Healey himself, in his previous role as a defense secretary, resigned from Sir Keir Starmer's government after accusing the then-prime minister of jeopardizing national security by not fully funding defense investment plans. Healey had previously stated that a firm date for reaching 3 percent of GDP on defense by 2030 was necessary ahead of NATO's commitment of 3.5 percent by 2035.
However, reports suggest a potential shift in approach, with Healey describing his new role as Chancellor as a "bigger job." He has yet to provide a concrete timeline, reiterating that the government will set out a clear path at the spring 2027 spending review for meeting the 3.5 percent NATO commitment by 2035, and as part of that plan, will establish the target date for reaching 3 percent.
Despite these ambiguities, Healey has vowed that defense spending will be a central focus of his fiscal plans, attempting to quell fears of a deferral. He acknowledged that addressing a reported £5 billion funding gap would necessitate "difficult decisions" in the upcoming budget. Healey affirmed his "100 percent" commitment to the NATO pledge.
Defense Secretary Wes Streeting also commented on the situation, asserting that there should be "no doubt about the Chancellor's commitment to investing in our defence," while also refraining from committing to a specific target date. He expressed confidence in Treasury support.
Previously, Sir Keir Starmer's administration had outlined plans to increase defense spending to 2.7 percent of GDP by 2027/28, without further specifics. The Treasury has now confirmed that government plans for 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 by 2030 would require an additional £17.3 billion from the UK. Shadow defense secretary James Cartlidge has accused Healey of backtracking on a pledge that influenced the previous prime minister's downfall.