General · 16 February 2026
Starmer considers 3% defence spending target by 2029
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reviewing plans to hit a 3% GDP defence expenditure goal by the end of this parliament. This proposal would bring the target forward to 2029, potentially costing billions of pounds more than the current 2.5% commitment for 2027. While the Treasury remains careful, military chiefs warn that existing budgets cannot cover rising costs or the £28 billion funding gap.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs