The UK currently spends 2.3% of GDP on defence, but Labour us under growing pressure to increase it (Image: Getty)
The Labour Government have been told to stop "dragging their heels" over defence spending as uncertainty remains over when the UK will reach 2.5% of GDP.
It comes as US President Donald Trump says NATO nations should be spending 5% of their national income on defence at a time of heightened tensions across Europe and the Middle East.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Link Sponsored Link
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The First Signs of Dementia You Should Never Ignore (See List)Dementia Signs and Symptoms | Search Ads Learn More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Labour urged to end 'shocking' armed forces tax after school VAT raid
6 Comments
I'm an ex-Royal Marine - raiding pockets of dead soldiers is new low for Rachel Reeves
56 Comments
POLL: Should Keir Starmer make Nigel Farage ambassador to US?
235 Comments
Soldiers hit with further Labour tax 'betrayal' despite personnel shortages
35 Comments
Lee Anderson fumes at Keir Starmer as PM 'resists defence spending increase'
51 Comments
British Army unveils 623 new high tech fighting vehicles in huge ￡5bn boost to UK defence
29 Comments
Five things Keir Starmer must understand ahead of Trump's second spell as US President
35 Comments
Iran sends terrifying warning to US and Israel over 'crazy' attack
60 Comments
Donald Trump has just shown the UK exactly how to stop the boats
1343 Comments
Donald Trump lashes out at 'unfair' EU in blistering attack at Brussels
520 Comments
Rachel Reeves announces plan to slash DWP sickness benefits 'in weeks'
828 Comments
Rachel Reeves announces urgent trade talks with Trump with desperate plea
343 Comments
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump speak on the phone for the first time since inauguration
150 Comments
Labour civil war erupts as Goverment backs Trump over Sadiq Khan's 'facism' comments
1208 Comments
This Is What A Hearing Aid Should Cost In 2025 - Prices May Surprise YouHearing Aids | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer's own MPs turn on him in furious row over defence spending
111 Comments
Keir Starmer threatens huge clash with Donald Trump days after inauguration
687 Comments
What tech jobs will look like in Singapore and Hong Kong in 2025efinancialcareers Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nigel Farage leads fury at Labour leading UK on 'collision course with Donald Trump'
117 Comments
POLL: Will Donald Trump's presidency be good for the UK? Vote here
302 Comments
Blepharoplasty can now be performed without surgeryBlepharoplasty Without Surgery | Search Ads Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
24 Comments
Now European leaders want Keir Starmer to hitch Britain to ￡420bn defence pact
1017 Comments
China signals willingness to repatriate confirmed Chinese nationals from USThe Straits Times
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Labour urged to end 'shocking' armed forces tax after school VAT raid
6 Comments
I'm an ex-Royal Marine - raiding pockets of dead soldiers is new low for Rachel Reeves
56 Comments
This Is What A Hearing Aid Should Cost In 2024 - Prices May Surprise YouHearing Aids | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
POLL: Should Keir Starmer make Nigel Farage ambassador to US?
235 Comments
Soldiers hit with further Labour tax 'betrayal' despite personnel shortages
35 Comments
Why You Should Get A Portable Solar GeneratorPortable Solar Generators | Search Ads Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Lee Anderson fumes at Keir Starmer as PM 'resists defence spending increase'
51 Comments
British Army unveils 623 new high tech fighting vehicles in huge ￡5bn boost to UK defence
29 Comments
Seniors in Singapore: New Small Electric Cars at Unbelievable Prices!Electric cars | Search ads Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Five things Keir Starmer must understand ahead of Trump's second spell as US President
35 Comments
Iran sends terrifying warning to US and Israel over 'crazy' attack
60 Comments
Latest Job Fair in SingaporeCareer Forward Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump has just shown the UK exactly how to stop the boats
1343 Comments
Donald Trump lashes out at 'unfair' EU in blistering attack at Brussels
520 Comments
Latest Career Fair in SingaporeCareer Forward Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves announces plan to slash DWP sickness benefits 'in weeks'
828 Comments
Rachel Reeves announces urgent trade talks with Trump with desperate plea
343 Comments
This Couple's House Is Only 8 Feet Wide, But Wait Till You See The Inside!BuzzAura
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump speak on the phone for the first time since inauguration
150 Comments
Labour civil war erupts as Goverment backs Trump over Sadiq Khan's 'facism' comments
1208 Comments
Keir Starmer's own MPs turn on him in furious row over defence spending
111 Comments
Keir Starmer threatens huge clash with Donald Trump days after inauguration
687 Comments
Nigel Farage leads fury at Labour leading UK on 'collision course with Donald Trump'
117 Comments
POLL: Will Donald Trump's presidency be good for the UK? Vote here
302 Comments
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
24 Comments
Now European leaders want Keir Starmer to hitch Britain to ￡420bn defence pact
1017 Comments
Labour urged to end 'shocking' armed forces tax after school VAT raid
6 Comments
I'm an ex-Royal Marine - raiding pockets of dead soldiers is new low for Rachel Reeves
56 Comments
POLL: Should Keir Starmer make Nigel Farage ambassador to US?
235 Comments
Soldiers hit with further Labour tax 'betrayal' despite personnel shortages
35 Comments
Lee Anderson fumes at Keir Starmer as PM 'resists defence spending increase'
51 Comments
British Army unveils 623 new high tech fighting vehicles in huge ￡5bn boost to UK defence
29 Comments
Five things Keir Starmer must understand ahead of Trump's second spell as US President
35 Comments
Labour says it will increase defence spending to 2.5% when economic conditions allow but have yet to provide a timeline, with the Lib Dems saying the increase is "shrouded in delay and uncertainty".
Lib Dem spokesperson Helen Maguire MP said: "At a time when Europe faces its gravest security crisis in decades, this is unacceptable.
"Promises without a clear path are hollow, and the Government should commit to setting out by Easter a detailed and credible plan for reaching 2.5%."
Sponsored
Blinkist MagazineNever Split the Difference: What a Former FBI Agent Taught Me About Negotiating
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
READ MORE: Keir Starmer's own MPs turn on him in furious row over defence spending
Trump wants Nato allies to spend considerably more on defence (Image: Getty)
She added: "The Government must stop dragging their heels, set out the pathway to 2.5% and end the uncertainty."
Reports emerged over the weekend that spending 2.5% of GDP on defence could be delayed beyond 2030 with Sir Keir Starmer resisting pressure from the military and Trump due to the poor state of public finances.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge pressed Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard "to disown such talk", and said: "Is it not time that Labour backed our Armed Forces with action, rather than just words?"
Mr Pollard didn’t set out a timetable for the boost but said the path to 2.5% will be laid out in spring when the long-awaited defence review is published.
The minister said the Government has a "cast-iron commitment" to 2.5% and that Labour inherited "a hollowed-out and underfunded military" from the Tories.
DON'T MISS:
Keir Starmer says Britain 'open for business' while millionaires flee UK [LATEST]
'Keir Starmer should learn from history to deal with shirking civil servants' [OPINION]
Rachel Reeves row explodes on LBC as Labour MP skewered live on air [VIDEO]
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Other MPs also raised concerns, including Labour MP Tan Dhesi, chairman of the Defence Select Committee.
He said: "Surely the cost of fighting a war, notwithstanding the human cost, is significantly higher than that of having a credible deterrent force."
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Labour urged to end 'shocking' armed forces tax after school VAT raid
6 Comments
I'm an ex-Royal Marine - raiding pockets of dead soldiers is new low for Rachel Reeves
56 Comments
POLL: Should Keir Starmer make Nigel Farage ambassador to US?
235 Comments
Soldiers hit with further Labour tax 'betrayal' despite personnel shortages
35 Comments
Lee Anderson fumes at Keir Starmer as PM 'resists defence spending increase'
51 Comments
British Army unveils 623 new high tech fighting vehicles in huge ￡5bn boost to UK defence
29 Comments
Five things Keir Starmer must understand ahead of Trump's second spell as US President
35 Comments
Iran sends terrifying warning to US and Israel over 'crazy' attack
60 Comments
Donald Trump has just shown the UK exactly how to stop the boats
1343 Comments
Donald Trump lashes out at 'unfair' EU in blistering attack at Brussels
520 Comments
Rachel Reeves announces plan to slash DWP sickness benefits 'in weeks'
828 Comments
Rachel Reeves announces urgent trade talks with Trump with desperate plea
343 Comments
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump speak on the phone for the first time since inauguration
150 Comments
Labour civil war erupts as Goverment backs Trump over Sadiq Khan's 'facism' comments
1208 Comments
Former FBI Agent Advises: "Negotiate as if your life depends on it"Blinkist Magazine
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer's own MPs turn on him in furious row over defence spending
111 Comments
Keir Starmer threatens huge clash with Donald Trump days after inauguration
687 Comments
Lowest electricity rates and up to $158 rebates!Geneco SG Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nigel Farage leads fury at Labour leading UK on 'collision course with Donald Trump'
117 Comments
POLL: Will Donald Trump's presidency be good for the UK? Vote here
302 Comments
She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Recently.Investructor
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
24 Comments
Now European leaders want Keir Starmer to hitch Britain to ￡420bn defence pact
1017 Comments
Goodbye, thinning hair. Hello, full hair! Trying this from Watsons.Hair’s Rich Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Labour urged to end 'shocking' armed forces tax after school VAT raid
6 Comments
I'm an ex-Royal Marine - raiding pockets of dead soldiers is new low for Rachel Reeves
56 Comments
5 Tips to Kickstart Your Healthcare CareerHMI Institute Read Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
POLL: Should Keir Starmer make Nigel Farage ambassador to US?
235 Comments
Soldiers hit with further Labour tax 'betrayal' despite personnel shortages
35 Comments
Remember Tiger's Ex-Wife? Try Not To Smile When You See Her NowInvestructor
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Lee Anderson fumes at Keir Starmer as PM 'resists defence spending increase'
51 Comments
British Army unveils 623 new high tech fighting vehicles in huge ￡5bn boost to UK defence
29 Comments
Now Is The Perfect Time To Get A Portable Solar GeneratorPortable Solar Generators | Search Ads Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Five things Keir Starmer must understand ahead of Trump's second spell as US President
35 Comments
Iran sends terrifying warning to US and Israel over 'crazy' attack
60 Comments
Fresh Insights on Top Refrigerator Offers in Singapore (2025)Local Plan Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump has just shown the UK exactly how to stop the boats
1343 Comments
Donald Trump lashes out at 'unfair' EU in blistering attack at Brussels
520 Comments
Doctor: Hair is growing very fast!Hair’s Rich Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves announces plan to slash DWP sickness benefits 'in weeks'
828 Comments
Rachel Reeves announces urgent trade talks with Trump with desperate plea
343 Comments
Singapore: New one bedroom senior apartments are stunning! (take a look)？www.senior-living-10818.bond Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump speak on the phone for the first time since inauguration
150 Comments
Labour civil war erupts as Goverment backs Trump over Sadiq Khan's 'facism' comments
1208 Comments
Keir Starmer's own MPs turn on him in furious row over defence spending
111 Comments
Keir Starmer threatens huge clash with Donald Trump days after inauguration
687 Comments
Nigel Farage leads fury at Labour leading UK on 'collision course with Donald Trump'
117 Comments
POLL: Will Donald Trump's presidency be good for the UK? Vote here
302 Comments
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
24 Comments
Now European leaders want Keir Starmer to hitch Britain to ￡420bn defence pact
1017 Comments
Labour urged to end 'shocking' armed forces tax after school VAT raid
6 Comments
I'm an ex-Royal Marine - raiding pockets of dead soldiers is new low for Rachel Reeves
56 Comments
POLL: Should Keir Starmer make Nigel Farage ambassador to US?
235 Comments
Soldiers hit with further Labour tax 'betrayal' despite personnel shortages
35 Comments
Lee Anderson fumes at Keir Starmer as PM 'resists defence spending increase'
51 Comments
British Army unveils 623 new high tech fighting vehicles in huge ￡5bn boost to UK defence
29 Comments
Five things Keir Starmer must understand ahead of Trump's second spell as US President
35 Comments
New In Singapore: Rubber Floor Tiles - Effortless Installation!Tiles | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Woman Lavished All Her Savings On This Motorhome, Take A Look Inside!Little Fries
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rubber Floor Tiles Without Glue In Singapore - The Latest Trend!Tiles | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Portable Air Conditioner 2024: No Installation RequiredAir Condition | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Mr Pollard agreed and pointed to the UK’s continued support to Ukraine as an example.
The concerns add to the five former defence secretaries who told The Sun that delaying the military spending boost would be "reckless".
Latest NATO figures show the UK spent 2.3% of its GDP on defence in 2024, making it one of 23 nations in the 32-member alliance to be hitting the 2% target.