Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Announces Significant Defense Spending Increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 in Response to Global Threats
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain announced on Tuesday that the country will increase its defense spending to 2.5% of its GDP by 2030, making it one of the highest spenders in NATO after the United States.
This commitment comes in response to the increasing global threats, particularly from Russia.
The UK currently spends 2.3% of its GDP on defense and is expected to spend an additional £23 billion, totaling £87 billion in 2030-31.
Sunak made this announcement during a visit to Poland and a press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, emphasizing the need for NATO countries not to be complacent in the current dangerous world.
Sunak, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced plans for the biggest strengthening of national defense in a generation.
This comes in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Moscow and the threat of escalation in the Middle East.
The EU is also calling for a greater focus on defense and security.
Brussels is expected to propose financing for this defense push at a summit in June.
Sunak has also faced pressure from his Conservative Party to increase defense spending, with some calling for a minimum of 3% of GDP. On Tuesday, Sunak additionally allocated £500 million in funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia.