Britain's outgoing armed forces minister, James Heappey, has urgently called for an increase in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, potentially rising even higher post-election. This stance is echoed by various stakeholders, including @BAESystemsplc, emphasizing the link between national security investments and prosperity. The call for heightened defense expenditure aligns with concerns over the UK's readiness for potential conflicts and the necessity to bolster national security and economic growth through domestic procurement. Despite the consensus on the need for increased funding, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not committed to a specific timeline for reaching the 2.5% GDP target, amidst discussions on the economic viability of such an increase. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has suggested that this spending target could feature in the Conservative Party's manifesto, indicating a political will to enhance defense capabilities.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is accused of 'cheating' over claims more money is being spent on the UK's armed forces https://t.co/U2qFsFQLiA https://t.co/oI5ZzmcJlm
Rishi Sunak should commit to spending more on defence in the Conservative Party general election manifesto, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has said, amid warnings that the UK is not ready for an all-out war with Russia @janemerrick23 reports https://t.co/TZ3FLCREpJ
"We do things when they’re genuinely affordable". Minister for Children and Families @david4wantage says the government want to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence "when it is economically viable to do so". #PoliticsHub https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 https://t.co/6L4UQm7dlG
Increasing consensus in Westminster that defence spending has to rise quickly after the election, reports @PronouncedAlva Which means tough questions for Labour on how on earth to pay for it when its voters likely prioritise NHS, schools, police spending https://t.co/KETzsAUGa1 https://t.co/IUgYLZ22uC
Today's Readout newsletter! On Rishi Sunak at the liaison committee hearing and the growing consensus around Westminster that defence spending will have to increase - if not now, then when Labour gets into office. https://t.co/zkRy6FGrRx
Grant Shapps suggests 2.5% increase in defence spending could be in the Tory manifesto - despite Sunak declining to make the pledge at the Liaison Committee. He says he is v committed to ensure we defend ourselves, adding: "There is a general election coming up..."
Rishi Sunak refuses to say when Britain's defence spending will hit 2.5% of GDP despite admitting NATO allies need to 'up our game' - as PM dodges demand by outgoing Armed Forces minister to 'urgently' meet target https://t.co/8HS1sHcyJ8 https://t.co/0b2os1fhZR
🌎 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told MPs that the past year had shown that the UK and its allies needed to do more work on defence industrial production https://t.co/9n0g1S7BrX
Rishi Sunak tells MPs "work needs to be done" on defence production https://t.co/31lPk1dt4E
"The last year has shown we need to collectively up our defence-industrial production" @RishiSunak admits to the Liaison Cttee. This in reply to defence cttee chair Jeremy Quin about concerns UK not spending enough on defence
▶️If the Defence budget remains at 2.2%, we will need to make sacrifices or create another black hole of unfunded commitments. ▶️We need 2.5% just to deliver what we have already planned. ▶️What would an increase to 3% allow? Modest headcount uplift for all three forces,…
🪖 James Heappey calls for 2.5pc of GDP to be spent on defence https://t.co/06X3qYTFJD
The UK MUST spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, says departing armed forces minister - heaping fresh pressure on Rishi Sunak to boost funding for the military https://t.co/1JJ3A7EMKL https://t.co/BpJluxiVKQ
Defence procurement can strengthen UK sovereignty, security & economic growth. Money spent should be directed first to UK businesses so we make, buy & sell more in Britain. https://t.co/OJSKCplD3l
BREAKING: Britain’s outgoing armed forces minister, @JSHeappey, has called for defence spending to be increased “urgently” to 2.5% of national income and potentially boosted even higher after the election. 1/
UK armed forces and security services rely on people pushing the boundaries of defence technology to provide a critical advantage and keep us safe. Investing in national security will drive national prosperity, says @BAESystemsplc #PartnerContent https://t.co/0XmdiB8FJD