Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his team are actively considering the possibility of increasing defenсe spending to 3% of GDP by the end of the current parliament (potentially by 2029), five years earlier than previously announced plans. This was reported by the BBC, citing government sources.
According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, moving to 3% of GDP would cost an additional £17.3 billion per year on top of current plans. In 2025, the UK spent approximately 2.3-2.4% of GDP on defenсe (approximately £60-66 billion).
However, the government emphasizes that no final decision has been made yet. The Treasury led by Rachel Reeves is extremely cautious about the idea due to high public debt, pressure on other budget items, and the need to either raise taxes or significantly cut spending in other areas.
A final decision is expected in the coming months, likely as part of the upcoming Defenсe Investment Plan update or the spring budget round.
If confirmed, this would represent one of the most significant increases in the UK’s military budget since the Cold War.