In a bid to strengthen the nation’s defense, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a substantial increase in military spending, promising an additional £75 billion by 2030. To achieve this without increasing borrowing or debt, the government plans to save around £3 billion by reducing the civil service workforce to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the decade. This move has garnered support from senior Tories who believe in prioritizing military capabilities over administrative expenses.
Sunak’s announcement was made during a European tour, which included a visit to Poland, where he announced the UK’s largest military aid package for Ukraine. He stressed the importance of allies increasing their defense spending in light of growing threats. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps echoed this sentiment, expressing the belief that the era of the peace dividend is over and that investment in defense is crucial for safeguarding values, freedoms, and prosperity.
The government’s plan involves increasing defense spending to a baseline of 2.5% of GDP by 2030. This investment will focus on bolstering capabilities such as air defense missiles, anti-armor munitions, 155mm artillery shells, and ammunition and missile production, which will nearly double current UK spending. Sunak emphasized that this generational investment in British security and prosperity will enhance the country’s safety at home and strengthen its standing abroad.
The announcement was made alongside Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, who emphasized the need to live in a more dangerous world and the importance of investing in defense to protect values and freedoms. This decision marks the most significant strengthening of the UK’s defense since the Cold War, aiming to support jobs, boost growth, and create a modern fighting force.
