UK military gets unexpected billions in new Labour budget plan
Labour government prepares £3bn defense funding boost to support military needs and soldier pay-rises. The one-time increase aims to address immediate challenges while maintaining current GDP spending levels
In a surprise move‚ Rachel Reeves plans to inject £2‚9bn into UKʼs military budget for next year (which includes back-dated pay-rises from april)
The fresh funding package addresses several key-points: a 6% salary boost for service members and restocking of weapons given to Ukraine. While maintaining defense spending at about 2‚3% of GDP‚ the Chancellorʼs decision removes worries about military budget cuts
Defense Secretary John Healey made waves earlier this month when he stated Britainʼs armed forces werenʼt ready for combat - a claim that top-brass officers didnt agree with. One senior commander said: they would “back the British soldier every day“ if conflict with Russia happened
The previous government under Rishi Sunak wanted defense spending at 2‚5% of GDP by 2030; however Labour hasnt committed to this target yet. Former Defense Secretary Ben Wallace criticized the current approach saying: “its another broken promise from Starmer“
Inside the cabinet‚ several ministers wrote to Sir Keir Starmer about their departments budget limits:
- Angela Rayner from Housing
- Louise Haigh from Transport
- Shabana Mahmood from Justice
At a recent cabinet meeting‚ Reeves pointed out that the Conservative inheritance meant tough choices ahead - including decisions on spending welfare and tax
