Healey refused to confirm that if the Treasury had agreed to a defence spending increase (Image: Getty)
The Government has been accused of backtracking on its commitment to raise defence spending to 3% in the next Parliament. The claims come on the day that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer prepares to launch the long-awaited Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which will set out the UK’s plan for defence over the next decade.
The plan, which will identify a raft of capabilities to be procured and developed over the next ten years, is predicated on defence spending reaching 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 and 3% by the end of the next parliament. Last week, Defence Secretary John Healey said he had “no doubt” the government would meet the target but refused to confirm a commitment from the Treasury had been received, calling it simply “an ambition”. The Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge believes that the change of wording indicates a friction between the Chancellor and Healey.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
My Dad Asked, "Is Your Allowance Sufficient?" I Replied, "What Allowance?".Healthy Glam | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Jack Straw: 'taxes will have to rise' in response to new defence era amid Russia threat
25 Comments
Labour minister squirms in painful BBC Breakfast clash: 'How are you paying for it?!'
30 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
37 Comments
Kremlin isn't cowed by PowerPoint - three actions that would actually boost defence
27 Comments
Andrew Neil accuses Keir Starmer of 'gaslighting to a deplorable level'
163 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
Nigel Farage is ready to splash the cash - unfortunately, it's your money he'll need
123 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Labour mayor makes ￡1bn funding plea to resolve Leeds tram ‘scandal'
21 Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Stop Search Trackers NowStartpage | Sponsored Sponsored
Install Now
Undo
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1100 Comments
Scarlett Johansson Shows Off Her Jaw-Dropping Figure - See Photos33 Bridges | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Six new 'bomb factories' to be built across UK in message to Putin
99 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Seniors Born 1941-1979 Receive 55 Benefits This Month if They AskSeniorDealToday | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Britain's armed forces are hollowed out - we need to be ready to fight a war
92 Comments
Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
42 Comments
Mature Singles, 50+ UsersInstantalks | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Jack Straw: 'taxes will have to rise' in response to new defence era amid Russia threat
25 Comments
Labour minister squirms in painful BBC Breakfast clash: 'How are you paying for it?!'
30 Comments
Dermatologist Says Do Not Buy Regular Bedsheets, Here's WhyMiracle Sheets | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
37 Comments
Caitlin Clark Dress Photos - Look Closer.Divorce Pay Day | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Kremlin isn't cowed by PowerPoint - three actions that would actually boost defence
27 Comments
Andrew Neil accuses Keir Starmer of 'gaslighting to a deplorable level'
163 Comments
Wrap foil around your doorknob when you are alone, here's whyHealthtippro | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
Enter Any Name, Wait 2 Minutes, See A List Of ResultsFastest Search | Sponsored Sponsored
Search Now
Undo
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
Breaking: Two Las Vegas Banks Offering Highest Interest Rates in the CountrySavingsPro | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Nigel Farage is ready to splash the cash - unfortunately, it's your money he'll need
123 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
God’s people need youIFCJ | The Fellowship | Sponsored Sponsored
Donate Now
Undo
Labour mayor makes ￡1bn funding plea to resolve Leeds tram ‘scandal'
21 Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1100 Comments
Six new 'bomb factories' to be built across UK in message to Putin
99 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Britain's armed forces are hollowed out - we need to be ready to fight a war
92 Comments
Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
42 Comments
Jack Straw: 'taxes will have to rise' in response to new defence era amid Russia threat
25 Comments
Labour minister squirms in painful BBC Breakfast clash: 'How are you paying for it?!'
30 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
37 Comments
Kremlin isn't cowed by PowerPoint - three actions that would actually boost defence
27 Comments
Andrew Neil accuses Keir Starmer of 'gaslighting to a deplorable level'
163 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
READ MORE: Russia attacking Britain daily as Defence Secretary makes terrifying WW3 claim
The Prime Minister will set out plans for defence over the next decade, this morning. (Image: Getty)
He told the Telegraph: “All of Labour’s Strategic Defence Review promises will be taken with a pinch of salt unless they can show there will actually be enough money to pay for them.
“Whereas, far from guaranteeing the funding, John Healey has been hung out to dry by Rachel Reeves.
Powered By
00:00/00:52
10 Sec
142.7K
11
Rachel Reeves 'understands' Trump's tariff approach
Next
Stay
“As recently as Thursday, Healey promised that defence spending would definitely hit 3 per cent, but today he’s completely backtracked.
Sponsored
freshinfospot.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Read Now
Husband Leaves Sick Wife For His Mistress. When He Returns For Her Inheritance, She Does This
Undo
“These submarines are not due to enter service till the late 2030s, so how can we have any confidence Labour will actually deliver them when they can’t even sustain a policy on defence spending for more than 48 hours?”
Defence sources told the Daily Express that Labour were in “disarray” on the morning of one of their most important announcements since their election victory.
Don't miss... Defence Secretary John Healey tells Laura Kuenssberg what Putin fears most [LATEST]
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
The SDR’s authors, Lord Robertson, Dr Fiona Hill and General Sir Richard Barrons identified the indication that defence spending would reach 3% as being vital to their ability to recommend a range of measures including the building of six munitions factories, the procurement of new nuclear submarines and investment in cyber and AI.
They wrote in the Telegraph: “The Government’s important decision to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027-28 and, vitally, to 3 per cent in the next Parliament made an enormous difference.
“The decision established the affordability of our recommendations across a 10-year programme.”
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Jack Straw: 'taxes will have to rise' in response to new defence era amid Russia threat
25 Comments
Labour minister squirms in painful BBC Breakfast clash: 'How are you paying for it?!'
30 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
37 Comments
Kremlin isn't cowed by PowerPoint - three actions that would actually boost defence
27 Comments
Andrew Neil accuses Keir Starmer of 'gaslighting to a deplorable level'
163 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
Nigel Farage is ready to splash the cash - unfortunately, it's your money he'll need
123 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Labour mayor makes ￡1bn funding plea to resolve Leeds tram ‘scandal'
21 Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Dating for Senior Singles in NevadaMature Dating | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1100 Comments
Larry Bird Steps Out With His Famous Wife And Fans Are StunnedVetob | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Six new 'bomb factories' to be built across UK in message to Putin
99 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Social Security Recipients Could Be Due Large SurpriseBetter Finances | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Britain's armed forces are hollowed out - we need to be ready to fight a war
92 Comments
Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
42 Comments
Taylor Swift, 35, Takes off Her Makeup and Leaves Us Without Wordslilmariogame | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Jack Straw: 'taxes will have to rise' in response to new defence era amid Russia threat
25 Comments
Labour minister squirms in painful BBC Breakfast clash: 'How are you paying for it?!'
30 Comments
Social Security Recipients Under $2,384/Mo Now Entitled To 12 "Kickbacks" This Month (Tap for List)SuperSavings | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
37 Comments
Viewers Had To Look Away When This Happened On Live TVThe Mom Pack | Sponsored Sponsored
Read Now
Undo
Kremlin isn't cowed by PowerPoint - three actions that would actually boost defence
27 Comments
Andrew Neil accuses Keir Starmer of 'gaslighting to a deplorable level'
163 Comments
Dermatologist Says These Are The Top 17 Beauty Products Of 2025Life'd Beauty | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Bombshell new poll predicts Nigel Farage on course to win next general election
296 Comments
Loyalty Sale Extra 20% off only on riu.comRIU Hotels | Sponsored Sponsored
Book Now
Undo
Winter Fuel Payments update as Angela Rayner drops hint to pensioners
2 Comments
One group to miss out on Labour's U-turn over DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy
50 Comments
They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock YouReportingly | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Nigel Farage is ready to splash the cash - unfortunately, it's your money he'll need
123 Comments
Many Labour MPs want Rachel Reeves gone but her fate will be decided on June 11
Comments
Cardiologists: Want To Stay Slim at 58? Do This Turmeric Trick Every Morning!Health News | USA | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Labour mayor makes ￡1bn funding plea to resolve Leeds tram ‘scandal'
21 Comments
Nigel Farage is creating a nightmare for Rachel Reeves
178 Comments
Moment Labour minister is torn to shreds in Sky News car crash
69 Comments
Defence review LIVE: Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
1100 Comments
Six new 'bomb factories' to be built across UK in message to Putin
99 Comments
Keir Starmer left red-faced as minister 'U-turns' on defence spending hike
50 Comments
Britain's armed forces are hollowed out - we need to be ready to fight a war
92 Comments
Keir Starmer skewered by BBC's Nick Robinson in fiery clash
42 Comments
Jack Straw: 'taxes will have to rise' in response to new defence era amid Russia threat
25 Comments
Labour minister squirms in painful BBC Breakfast clash: 'How are you paying for it?!'
30 Comments
Labour won't fully reverse pensioner winter fuel payment cuts
106 Comments
Keir Starmer 'doesn't know what he's doing' over winter fuel payment U-turn
37 Comments
Kremlin isn't cowed by PowerPoint - three actions that would actually boost defence
27 Comments
Andrew Neil accuses Keir Starmer of 'gaslighting to a deplorable level'
163 Comments
I was in the room for Keir Starmer's Farage-bashing speech - PM is taking one massive risk
658 Comments
Type In Any Name, Wait 2 Minutes, See Results In A FlashFastest Search
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Salma Hayek, 58,Shows Her Huge Size In New PhotosWooryFood
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The Bronx estate where JFK lived as a child seeks $6.4 millionHomes.com
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
8 out of 10 Windows Owners Didn't Know Thislifestyletechtips.com
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard insisted that the government’s position had not changed, as he reiterated that he had “no doubt” that the UK would spend 3% in the next parliament.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there had been no change in policy, and the Treasury was committed to raising defence spending to 3% when economic conditions allow.
A defence source said: “We’ve put billions more into defence and since February our ambition has been that we will hit 3 per cent in the next parliament – the biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. That hasn’t changed.”