Maintain our global influence
INCREASE DEFENCE SPENDING TO 5% of GDP
Maintain our global influence
Defence Spending:
An Urgent National Security Priority
The international order is entering a period of increasing instability. Unless greater stability can be restored, there is a real risk that armed conflict could escalate through miscalculation or misunderstanding.
The United States continues to pursue its own strategic interests, fully aware that many Western nations no longer possess the military capability they once had. Europe can no longer assume that others will always guarantee its security.
The future of Ukraine remains central to European security and cannot be treated as a secondary issue. The outcome of that conflict could shape the security environment across Europe for many years to come.
The publication of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review presents an opportunity to reconsider Britain’s long-term defence priorities. The Government’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is not providing the funds needed and Parliament and all political parties should focus on one overriding responsibility
—the defence of the realm —.
It has to address what the country needs and listen to well informed politicians and leading military personnel.
Whoever leads the Government in the years ahead must recognise that defence spending can no longer remain a secondary priority. Equally, the political Opposition has a responsibility to contribute constructively to this debate, recognising that national security should rise above party politics.
The United States is developing a “Golden Dome” missile defence system for North America. Europe should examine the establishment of a comparable integrated missile and drone defence shield to protect the continent against modern airborne threats. This would counter the menacing rhetoric from Russia.
European nations must now commit themselves to increasing defence expenditure to 5% of GDP.
This should not remain an aspiration for the distant future but become a clear strategic objective supported by realistic implementation plans.
Russia continues to present a significant military challenge, not only through its war in Ukraine but also through increased naval and strategic activity in the Arctic and surrounding European waters. China is likewise expanding its strategic influence, particularly in the Arctic region and the Indo-Pacific.
These developments underline the need for Britain to strengthen its own defence capability.
The United Kingdom should substantially increase investment in Armed Forces personnel, equipment, cyber capability, missile defence and advanced technologies while expanding our indigenous sovereign defence industry.
Reliance upon the United States for Europe’s security can no longer be taken for granted. American strategic attention is increasingly focused upon China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Europe must therefore also assume greater responsibility for its own defence.
This issue cannot be deferred.
Britain requires a comprehensive defence plan that provides balanced investment across all three Services while supporting technological innovation and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity.
Wherever practical, defence procurement should be directed towards British industry. This would strengthen national resilience, protect supply chains, create skilled employment and increase export opportunities.
The United Kingdom should continue to develop and manufacture naval vessels, submarines, military aircraft, helicopters, missiles, drones, electronic warfare systems and emerging technologies wherever sovereign capability can reasonably be maintained. This action will protect our indigenous defence industry and encourage young people to register for an employment career.
Britain’s nuclear deterrent remains fundamental to national security. Given the changing strategic environment, its long-term resilience and dependence on overseas support should continue to be kept under review.
NATO remains the cornerstone of European collective security and must continue to be strengthened.
Britain possesses one of the world’s leading defence industries. Continued investment would protect highly skilled employment while reinforcing the UK’s position in aerospace, naval engineering, defence technology and advanced manufacturing.
The defence sector already contributes substantially to the British economy through exports, research, innovation and employment. Greater investment would further stimulate economic growth while improving national security.
Our Armed Forces require continuous investment in new technology, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, autonomous systems, advanced engineering and scientific research. Strong partnerships between the Armed Forces, universities and British industry should continue to be encouraged.
The armed forces and the defence industry also offers outstanding career opportunities for young men and women through apprenticeships, engineering, science, research, manufacturing and leadership. Increased investment would therefore benefit both national security and economic prosperity.
This is an example of utilising investment to encourage young people to get into work as against following the benefits programme in the welfare state.
Britain should remain cautious about becoming excessively dependent upon defence procurement arrangements that reduce sovereign industrial capability. International cooperation is valuable, but wherever possible the United Kingdom should retain critical national capabilities.
The first duty of Government is
the defence of the realm.
We cannot defer this important expenditure. Some will mention savings from the long awaited Welfare State Review. That will take many years to achieve and must be undertaken not just in relation to funding but on the ideology to reduce the benefits system.
One possible means of supporting increased defence expenditure would be for the Bank of England to assist government financing during what many would regard as an exceptional national security challenge. During the Covid-19 pandemic, extraordinary monetary measures enabled the Government to respond rapidly to an unprecedented emergency. While any similar approach today would require careful consideration to preserve monetary stability and the Bank’s operational independence, exceptional circumstances may justify exceptional financial arrangements.
Waiting until the end of the current Parliament before significantly increasing defence expenditure will delay improvements for many years and smells of the never never land.
It will send the wrong message to both foes and allies.
The U.K. should be in business to achieve
the objective to spend 5% of GDP on defence, implementation should begin now rather than be postponed.
Defence spending should therefore be viewed not merely as public expenditure but as a long-term investment in Britain’s security, technological leadership, industrial strength, diplomatic prowess with employment at all levels (including encouraging your people to be involved). This would create economic resilience.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom faces an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. National security is the foremost responsibility of Government. Britain needs a long-term strategy supported by sustained investment, modern Armed Forces, a strong domestic defence industry and the political determination to protect the nation.
Defence spending is an urgent
national security priority.
The debate should now move
from aspiration to URGRNT implementation.
Spend 5% of GDP Immediately
Additional reading from ConHome in September 2025
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