UK PM reportedly weighs delay to roadmap for higher defence spending
EWU•British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly considering delaying an announcement on how and when the UK will raise defence spending to 3% of GDP. The government spokesperson said the spending review date has not been set and talk of a delay was “pure rumour and speculation.”
1. Spending roadmap under consideration
Burnham is considering delaying an announcement on how and when Britain will raise defence spending to 3% of GDP, a report said. The announcement would set out a path toward NATO’s target of 3.5% by 2035.
2. Review timing disputed
Finance minister John Healey had said he would outline an initial path to 3% of GDP at the next spending review, expected in spring 2027. A source cited in the report said the “working assumption” was that the review would take place in October 2027. A finance ministry spokesperson said the review date had not been set and called talk of a delay “pure rumour and speculation.”
3. Funding estimates
The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that reaching the interim goal of 3% by 2030 would cost an additional £17.3 billion. Healey needs to fill a £4.7 billion funding gap for the existing Defence Investment Plan and is due to deliver his first budget on October 28.
