Summary
The UK has promised to spend 5% of its GDP on national security by 2035 to meet a new goal set by NATO. The new spending target will divide into 3.5% for core defense needs and 1.5% for areas like cybersecurity and border protection. The UK government is discussing how to finance this increase amid concerns from some political figures.
Key Facts
- The UK aims to spend 5% of GDP on national security by 2035.
- The spending will be split: 3.5% on core defense and 1.5% on other security areas.
- NATO members, including the UK, have agreed on this 5% goal.
- Conservative politician Dame Priti Patel criticized the announcement, saying it lacks new funding.
- Liberal Democrats support the spending increase to meet NATO's target.
- Current UK defense spending is set to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a potential rise to 3% by 2034 if conditions allow.
- The commitment comes amid pressures for increased defense spending since Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion and Trump's reelection.
