The UK has committed to spending 5% of its GDP on national security by 2035. This bold move aligns with NATO’s new spending benchmark. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the plan ahead of a crucial NATO summit in the Netherlands.
NATO’s 32 member states, including the UK, are expected to adopt the 5% target. The breakdown includes 3.5% for core defence and 1.5% for security resilience. Cybersecurity and border protection will fall under the latter category.
The decision responds to pressure from US President Donald Trump. He has repeatedly demanded NATO allies increase defence budgets. UK boosts national security spending as part of a wider strategy against rising threats, particularly Russian aggression.
Starmer stressed the link between economic stability and security. “Economic security is national security,” he declared. He also highlighted that the investment could create jobs and spur long-term growth.
By 2027, the UK aims to allocate 4.1% of GDP to national security. Core defence spending should hit 2.6% by 2026. However, the full 3.5% target may not be reached until 2035.
Critics wonder how the government will finance this expansion. Two general elections add further uncertainty. Downing Street has not yet revealed detailed funding plans. Nevertheless, officials emphasize potential economic benefits.
The summit marks Mark Rutte’s first appearance as NATO secretary general. He called the 5% goal a “quantum leap” for alliance security. However, compliance remains unclear. Spain briefly claimed an exemption, but NATO officials quickly dismissed the claim.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the summit dinner. However, he will not participate in formal discussions. Analysts note that sensitive topics, like NATO’s Russia strategy, were intentionally avoided.
UK boosts national security spending in a major policy shift under Starmer. The pledge seeks to balance NATO commitments with domestic economic needs. If achieved, this could redefine Britain’s global security role.
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