Labour’s Defence Spending Increase: A Step Forward, Yet Insufficient

Labour’s recent announcement to increase defence spending has been acknowledged as “significant” by former military leaders, but they caution that it falls short of what is necessary to revitalize the UK’s “hollowed-out” Armed Forces. Sir Keir Starmer declared that Britain will allocate 2.5% of GDP to defence by 2027, an increase from 2.3% in 2024, translating into an additional £13.4 billion annually.

The Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of this expenditure, stating that it is crucial for maintaining national security in light of threats from “tyrants” such as Vladimir Putin, asserting that “strength” is the only language they understand. This move comes amid increasing pressure on Britain, especially following US President Donald Trump’s criticisms of European nations for relying on American military strength. Starmer is set to meet with Trump on Thursday, further intensifying the spotlight on Britain’s defence strategy.

Lord West of Spithead, former head of the Royal Navy, expressed to The i Paper that the funding increase is urgently needed, arguing that the previous Conservative and Coalition administrations’ failures to adequately support defence mean that even more than 2.5% of GDP is necessary. He suggested the Prime Minister should inform Trump of Britain’s intentions during their upcoming discussions.

Starmer also indicated that the government aims to establish a clear goal for defence spending to reach 3% of GDP in the subsequent Parliament. Lord West contended that this target should be advanced if the situation with Russia escalates further, stating, “We might have to do it before the next Parliament if there’s going to be a war, if we’re going to have to fight.”

‘A Step in the Right Direction, but Not Enough’

'A Step in the Right Direction, but Not Enough'

Lord Dannatt, the former head of the British Army, characterized Labour’s announcement as a “step in the right direction but not enough.” He expressed disappointment at the decision to cut the overseas aid budget, which will be reduced from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3%. However, he acknowledged the government’s prerogative to realign priorities. Starmer reassured MPs that the additional investment in defence will deliver “value for money” and introduced a new “reform and efficiency” initiative, to be spearheaded by the Chancellor and Defence Secretary.

While Lord West recognized the funding increase as “significant,” he cautioned that it will take time to yield tangible results, especially as discussions continue regarding Britain’s potential contribution to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. He remarked, “It’s significant in terms of morale, in terms of placing a marker of where we’re going. It will help address the hollowing out by replacing [missiles and ammunition] we’ve given to the Ukrainians, recruiting more personnel, and repairing existing equipment.” Nevertheless, he warned that restoring these capabilities is a gradual process, emphasizing, “You can’t just conjure these things up immediately.”

Addressing the Challenges Facing the UK Armed Forces

Frank Ledwidge, a senior lecturer in war studies at the University of Portsmouth and a former military officer with experience in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, expressed skepticism about whether the increased funding will significantly enhance Britain’s role in the war in Ukraine. “This isn’t for Ukraine; this is for reinforcing our dilapidated Armed Forces. The basics need to be sorted out before anything else,” he asserted.

  • Ledwidge highlighted the need to:
  • Increase the number of submarines.
  • Ensure an adequate destroyer and frigate fleet to secure national waters.
  • Prioritize early warning aircraft for the air force over shiny new jets.
  • Consider the implementation of a missile shield.

The government has committed to releasing a strategic defence review (SDR) in 2025, outlining the threats to the UK and strategies to address them. Dr. Ledwidge expressed concern over the announcement of increased funding prior to the release of the SDR, noting, “It’s really strange they are making this announcement before the strategic defence review; it should have been the other way around. There should be a plan first, then we can assess the costs.”

He warned that the current approach might lead to mismanagement and waste, stating, “This is going to end up in a whole lot of waste, I suspect, on hobby horses and ill-thought-out and ill-managed programmes.”

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