UK defence funding rocked by budget restrictions
It remains uncertain what elements of UK defence spending will be curtailed. (Photo: HMS Kent, UK MOD/Crown Copyright)
Defence spending cuts are implied by UK ministers’ commitments to help plug a public finance “black hole”.
UK minister of defence John Healey has admitted that some of the country’s defence commitments and military projects will likely by cut back or even cancelled altogether as part of a government-side austerity programme.
The UK government, which came in only on 4 July 2024 and represents the first time the leading party of government has changed in 14 years, had initially intended to stick to the defence spending commitments of the previous government. Those included raising the percentage of GDP spent on defence to 2.5% per year by 2030.
Shortly after winning the election, the new government weakened that
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine passes £1 billion milestone]()
UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine passes £1 billion milestone
Ukraine’s defence secretary met his UK opposite number in London to mark the milestone and push forward with new defence deals.
-
![RTX’s unauthorised exports result in $200 million fine]()
RTX’s unauthorised exports result in $200 million fine
According to the US Department of State, 750 company violations were recorded from 2017 to 2023.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review asks public for views on future defence directions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review asks public for views on future defence directions
Currently serving military personnel, veterans, industry and academia have been invited to submit evidence to shape the UK’s future defence postures and spending.
