Posted 3/9/2024, 10:07:30 AM
UK Ministers Urge Faster Rise in Defence Spending to Counter Global Threats
- Two UK ministers urge increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP "as soon as economically possible" in a highly unusual intervention
- They warn the world is "no longer benign" and more investment is needed to strengthen military capabilities and support allies
- The Chancellor recently reiterated a pledge to lift spending to 2.5% but gave no timeline amid constrained finances
- The ministers highlight rising spending by adversaries China and Russia, while UK defence budgets, though increased, have not kept pace
- They argue more investment in defence is needed now to grow industrial capacity essential for military advantage