UK considering significant increase to defence spending
Reports suggest that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (not Theresa May) is considering accelerating the UK’s defence spending to meet a 3% of GDP target by 2029, several years earlier than originally planned.
The proposal follows Sir Keir’s speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, 14 February 2026, where he warned world leaders that Europe must "step up" and "invest more, faster" to counter the enduring threat of Russian aggression.
🛡️ The Spending Debate
While a definitive decision has not yet been announced, the government is reportedly weighing a massive shift in military funding:
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The Current Commitment: In February 2025, the government pledged to reach 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, with an "ambition" to hit 3% in the next parliament (after 2029).
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The New Proposal: Downing Street aides are now exploring whether the 3% target can be achieved within the current parliament.
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The Cost: Increasing spending to 3% could require an additional £13 billion to £17 billion per year by 2029. To fund this, ministers have already reduced the international aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI.
🏛️ Internal Friction
The potential move has sparked a "tug-of-war" within Whitehall:
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The Ministry of Defence (MOD): Senior military figures, including Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, argue that existing budgets are insufficient to cover rising costs and that rearmament is a "moral" necessity.
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The Treasury: Officials are reportedly wary of the fiscal impact and the potential need for further borrowing or cuts to other departments, such as net-zero projects or infrastructure.
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The "McSweeney Factor": Some sources suggest the departure of Sir Keir’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, last week has emboldened Treasury "bean counters" who oppose the rapid increase.
📂 The Long-Delayed "Defence Investment Plan"
The defence industry remains frustrated by the delay of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will outline exactly how the £270 billion allocated for this parliament will be spent.
Sir Keir is expected to repeat his "go faster" message to Labour backbenchers this evening, emphasizing that generational investments are needed to move the UK from "overdependence" on the US to "interdependence" with European allies.
