UK Meets Nato Without 3.5% Defence Spending Roadmap as Allies Press for 5% by 2035
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
UK Meets Nato Without 3.5% Defence Spending Roadmap as Allies Press for 5% by 2035
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
Summary
Dan Jarvis arrived in Brussels for Nato defence talks without the UK's delayed defence investment plan, even as London says it will lift core defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
Mark Rutte and Pete Hegseth used the meeting to demand credible national spending paths before the 7 July summit, with Hegseth warning US Nato dues could fall for allies that do not meet targets.
John Healey, who resigned last week, said the unpublished UK plan offered only a 0.08% rise from next year to 2030, with no route to 3% or 3.5% and too little money in the first two years.
The funding gap remains unresolved: reports point to a £13.5 billion increase over four years, far below the £28 billion sought by the Ministry of Defence, while military chiefs warn training and operations may be cut back.
The missing plan matters beyond London because Nato now wants members to map a broader 5% of GDP commitment by 2035, split between 3.5% for defence and 1.5% for resilience.
Can Britain achieve its 3.5% defence spending goal without sacrificing economic growth and essential public services?
As the US pivots from Europe, can the UK's delayed plan realistically fill the void in NATO's conventional defence?
Does focusing on spending targets ignore the urgent need for investment in drones and AI over traditional hardware?
The UK's Defence Spending Crisis: Struggling to Meet NATO's 3.5% Target Amid Political Turmoil and International Pressure
Overview
The UK is facing a major political crisis after Defence Secretary John Healey’s surprise resignation, which was described as a serious blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This turmoil was deepened by another frontbencher’s departure and speculation about Starmer’s leadership. At the heart of the crisis is a sharp disagreement over how much the UK should spend on defence. While Starmer announced an increase in the defence budget, many in government remain divided over whether the new funding is enough to meet NATO’s rising targets and keep pace with key allies, putting both domestic stability and international credibility at risk.