UK defence budget might get bigger after next year's White House change
Labour government plans to boost UK military spending to 2.5% of GDP after new US president takes office. The move aims to strengthen UK-US ties and show commitment to NATO alliance
The UK government is getting ready for a big-time boost in defense spending which matches up with Donald Trumpʼs expected return to the White House. According to inside-info from government sources the plan will be shown off in early-2025 (right after the US leadership change)
Labourʼs plan to raise spending to 2.5% of GDP comes as the UK tries to build up its relationship with the soon-to-be US president; who has always been mad about NATO allies not paying enough. Right now the UK puts about 2.2% into defense which puts it at number 8 among 32 NATO countries but this boost would push it up to fourth place
John Healey the Defence Secretary told reporters: “This Government will always do whats necessary to defend the country; and set a path to 2.5% of GDP.“ Meanwhile Ben Wallace former defence boss thinks its not enough and wants more:
- Hit 2.5% by 2028
- Get to 3% by 2030
- Make UK armed forces more modern
The government is working hard to get ready for the changes coming next year - officials are checking how a new US president might affect things like the economy Ukraine war and Middle-East stuff (they had a big meeting about it at the Foreign Office)
The exact date for hitting the new spending target isnt set yet but sources from No 10 Treasury and MoD say spring-2025 is when theyll tell everyone the plan: probably around March-April when they do the budget stuff
