UK government to outline path to NATO defence spending targets

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that the upcoming Budget, delivered by Chancellor John Healey, will detail a strategic plan to meet the United Kingdom’s NATO defence commitments. The government aims to increase defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030 and reach 3.5% by 2035.

Burnham emphasized that national security remains a top priority. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that reaching the 3% target will require an additional £17.3 billion by the 2029-30 fiscal year. This move comes amid calls from military figures and opposition critics for a clear, funded strategy to bolster military readiness and maintain credibility with international allies.

In addition to military funding, the Prime Minister has addressed the need for a National Centre for Information Defence to counter foreign disinformation and weaponized information, citing the importance of building public psychological resilience similar to models used in Sweden.