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3mo ago

Ex-Defence Chiefs Demand 5% Now as Government Sticks to 2035 Pledge

An open letter says Britain must set an immediate path to 5% of GDP to fix hollowed-out forces.

Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to increase the UK’s defence budget, but some say this is not happening fast enough
Image
Jackal mounted soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Poachers) engage enemy troops on the Tapa range in Estonia where British soldiers are taking part in Exercise Winter Camp, which is part of Operation Cabrit, the UK's contribution to Nato's Forward Land Forces in Estonia and Poland. Picture date: Tuesday February 3, 2026. (Photo by Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images)

Overview

  • Nearly 40 former defence, military and intelligence figures warn of a “1936 moment” and call for an unequivocal commitment to raise spending to 5% of GDP.
  • The government reiterates its goal of 5% on defence and security by 2035 and points to an extra £5bn this year and £270bn across this parliament.
  • Reports cite a roughly £28bn shortfall in MoD plans and a still-delayed Defence Investment Plan, which BAE Systems says is holding back industry investment.
  • Serving chiefs outline urgent timelines, with the RAF head warning Russia could significantly threaten the UK by 2030 and the Army pushing war-readiness goals by 2027.
  • Ministers have discussed advancing a 3% target to 2029, with the OBR estimating about £17.3bn more per year by 2029–30, as the Chancellor remains cautious on an immediate uplift.